The Riverland Community College baseball team picked up another conference victory on April 18, defeating Western Technical College 5-3 behind timely hitting and strong relief pitching.

Riverland responded quickly after an early deficit, staying composed in a back-and-forth game before taking control in the middle innings. The Blue Devils used a steady offensive approach, collecting 11 hits and consistently delivering in key moments.

Sophomore OF Ben Helfer (Zumbrota, MN) led the way offensively, finishing with two hits including a double and driving in two runs. Freshman OF Hideki Ohira also came up big with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, including the go-ahead hit in the fifth inning. Freshman utility Austin Swenson (Adams, MN) added three hits and an RBI, while sophomore 2B Peyton Ransom (Austin, MN) scored twice as part of a balanced lineup effort.

Sophomore RHP Riley Jax (Adams, MN) delivered a strong start, striking out nine over 6.1 innings while allowing three runs on eight hits. Sophomore RHP Khalil Fernandez (Arecibo, PR) closed the door with 0.2 scoreless innings, earning the save with a pair of strikeouts.