Ft. Myers, Fl. (Mar. 8, 2022)- A late run by Alvernia University (2-5-1) was not enough as the Golden Wolves fell to Rockford University 9-8 (2-0) in a non-conference baseball matchup Monday afternoon.

Alvernia kicked off the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. The quick score happened after Nick Nutile was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, which allowed Zach Rogacki to cross home plate. The Regents responded half an inning later, knotting things up 1-1.

The second inning was scoreless, with each team recording just one hit. The Golden Wolves reclaimed the lead in the third inning, with Brandon Smith pushing in Thomas Faggioni for the score. However, a 2-0 Regents swing put Rockford back out in front in the bottom of the third inning.

The Alvernia offense continued its momentum in the top of the fourth, with Kyler Newton, Jason Kelly, Lucas Floyd, and Justin Ayala all crossing home plate. This burst from the Golden Wolves gave them a 6-3 lead over the Regents.

Rockford continued to respond, managing to draw the match even once again, recording three runs to make the score 6-6. The Golden Wolves continued their scoring streak, with Smith crossing home plate to take a one-point lead. Rockford rebounded quickly, knotting the score up 7-7 going into the sixth inning.

The top of the sixth was scoreless for Alvernia, ending their three-inning scoring streak. The Regents jumped out in front in the sixth, scoring two runs and taking a 9-7 lead over the Golden Wolves.

At the top of the seventh, Alvernia left one runner stranded before trimming the deficit to just one at the top of the eighth. The clutch run came off the bat of Rogacki, who recorded his first collegiate home run.

Despite that late effort, the Regents were able to hold on, downing the Golden Wolves 9-8.

Rogacki finished the game with two RBIs along with one home run.

The Golden Wolves return to action Tuesday as they face off against Haverford College and Thiel College.