Seven Run Fourth Inning Dooms Broncos

The Ellsworth Bearcats scored seven runs with two outs in the top of the fourth inning and rallied past Russell-Victoria for a 12-4 victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon at the Shaffer Field Complex, spoiling the Broncos home opener.   The nightcap was halted with two outs in the top of the second inning with Ellsworth leading 1-0 when lightning was detected close to the ballpark and after a 20-minute delay, the game was officially postponed.  No makeup date has been announced at this time.

After Ellsworth plated a run in the top of the first inning of Game 1, Russell-Victoria, playing on their home field for the first time since May 6, 2019, rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame on a two-run single by Brayden Ford and an RBI double by Andrew Roth.  The lead grew to 4-1 after three innings when Roth reached on an error that scored Thaddeus Wohler who was pinch running for starting pitcher Aidan Rohr.

The fourth inning proved to be the Bronco's undoing.  After two were out, the Bearcats tallied seven unanswered runs on six hits, a walk and three hit batters.  From there, Ellsworth added a single run in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth frame to put the game away.

Rohr took the loss for the Broncos, working three and two thirds innings before being lifted during the Bearcat rally.  Dayton Davis pitched five innings to collect the win for Ellsworth while holding the Broncos to just three hits.  Lane Rolfs pitched two innings of scoreless relief to close out the contest. 

Russell-Victoria (2-3) will next be in action on Friday, April 9 at the Shaffer Field Complex when they play host to another former NCAA rival, the Sacred Heart Knights.  First pitch for Game 1 is set for 4 p.m.