AUBURNDALE, Fla. – Sioux Falls battled back twice but could not overcome a pair of big innings from Rockhurst University, falling 14-7 this afternoon at Lake Myrtle during RussMatt Invitational play.

The Cougars erased an early four-run deficit with a three-run second and later answered a second Rockhurst surge with a four-run sixth, but the Hawks' consistent offensive pressure proved decisive. Rockhurst collected 13 hits and scored in five different innings, while Sioux Falls drew 10 walks and produced seven runs on seven hits but was unable to fully close the gap late.

Final Score: Rockhurst University 14, Sioux Falls 7
Overall Record: Rockhurst 11-2, Sioux Falls 3-6

How It Happened

Rockhurst struck first with a four-run second inning, capitalizing on a mix of extra-base hits and defensive miscues. A run-scoring double opened the scoring before an error extended the frame. A groundout brought in another run, and a throwing error allowed the fourth to cross, putting Sioux Falls in an early 4-0 hole.

The Cougars responded immediately in the bottom half. Nolan Drossel sparked the rally with an RBI double to center, scoring Cullen Verville and moving Justin Johnson to third. Dominic Vogel followed with a single to left that plated two more, trimming the deficit to 4-3 and shifting momentum back toward USF.

Rockhurst regained control in the fourth with another four-run burst. A run-scoring double and an RBI triple stretched the lead, and back-to-back singles added two more to make it 8-3.

The Hawks added on again in the sixth, highlighted by a solo home run and three additional RBI plays that pushed the margin to 12-3.

Sioux Falls refused to fold. The Cougars loaded the bases in the sixth and strung together disciplined at-bats to manufacture four runs. William Edwards drew a bases-loaded walk, Mitch Iliff followed with another RBI walk, Brady Schafer delivered an RBI single, and Colin Gibson lifted a sacrifice fly to center to cap the rally and cut the deficit to 12-7.

Rockhurst tacked on two more in the ninth on a sacrifice fly and a stolen-base sequence that resulted in an unearned run, sealing the 14-7 final.

On the Mound

• Starting pitcher: Logan Anderson – 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

• Decision: Anderson (L, 1-2)

• Bullpen impact: Eli Larson (3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 K); Myles Rees (1.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER); Tyler Maeyaert (2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R); Owen Weadge (1.0 IP, 2 R, 1 ER)

• Notable pitching moments: Maeyaert provided 2.2 scoreless innings to stabilize the middle frames, but Rockhurst's lineup consistently produced extra-base damage in key situations.

At the Plate

• Multi-hit games: Dominic Vogel (2-for-3), Daniel Estrada (2-for-5)

• Extra-base hits: Estrada (double), Drossel (double)

• RBIs: Vogel (1), Drossel (1), Schafer (1), Gibson (1), Edwards (1), Iliff (1)

• Clutch situations: USF scored three runs in the second to immediately answer Rockhurst's early surge and added four in the sixth by drawing two bases-loaded walks and delivering situational contact.

• Team totals: 7 hits, 10 walks, 3 errors, 11 left on base

Up Next

The Cougars continue play at the RussMatt Invitational as they take on Wilmington University tomorrow morning at 9am CST before taking on Florida Tech in a four-game series over the weekend.

Stay Connected

For all things USF Baseball, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Be the first to know what's going on inside USF Athletics by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter!