Riverland Community College fell behind early and couldn't recover in an 11-2 loss to Rochester Community and Technical College in MCAC Southern Division play on April 25.

Rochester (18-13, 7-3) set the tone immediately, scoring five runs in the opening inning. The Yellowjackets used a combination of timely hits, walks, and a Riverland error to build a quick 5-0 advantage before the Devils could record the final out.

Riverland (28-12, 10-4) answered in the second inning when freshan catcher Ethan Mott (Rockford, IL) delivered an RBI double to center field, scoring freshman utility Austin Swenson (Adams, MN) to cut the deficit to 5-1.

The game remained within reach until the sixth inning, when Rochester broke it open with a six-run frame. The inning featured a mix of extra-base hits and defensive miscues, with several runs coming unearned, pushing the lead to 11-1.

Riverland added its final run in the bottom of the sixth, as Swenson scored on a double play ball, but the Devils were unable to generate further offense.

Offensively, Riverland was limited to four hits on the day. Mott led the way with a double and an RBI, while freshman 1B Carson Gehrke (Oregon, WI), freshman LF Hideki Ohira, and freshman SS Christiaan Koehler (Red Wing, MN) each added a hit.

On the mound, sophomore LHP Melvin Ortiz (Lajas, PR) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (four earned) over 5.1 innings. Freshman RHP Justin Joriman (Roseville, MN) provided relief, surrendering one unearned run over the final 1.2 innings.