The RIT Tigers opened their NCAA Division III regional tournament with a 7‑5 defeat against fifth‑seeded Rowan, dropping them into an elimination bracket matchup later that week.
Rowan struck first, plating a run in the bottom of the first inning before pulling away with a four‑run third that put them ahead 5‑0.
RIT answered in the fifth when sophomore Trent Rapp launched a three‑run homer, cutting the margin to 6‑4, and added an RBI single in the eighth to bring the game within two.
Despite out‑hitting Rowan 10‑5, the Tigers stranded ten runners on base, a factor that proved costly as Rowan added an insurance run in the sixth to finish at 7‑4.
On the mound, Ryan Moran surrendered six runs over five innings, while graduate reliever Ryan Merkov tossed 2.2 scoreless frames to close the game.
Key Performances
Trent Rapp finished 2‑for‑5 with a home run and four RBIs, while Mikey Zacher went 2‑for‑3, doubled, scored twice and walked. The lineup also included Max Matteucci, Roberto Reade and Sam Kulp, who contributed to the offensive effort.
RIT’s record now stands at 24‑14 on the season, and they are scheduled to meet the loser of the Southern Maine versus Babson game on Sunday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Ed Flaherty Field.