The Keuka College baseball team split a doubleheader with St. Norbert College on Saturday in Florida, highlighted by a walk-off victory in the second game.
The Wolves improved to 2-4 on the season after rallying for a 4-3 win in game two. St. Norbert claimed the opener 7-1.
In the first game, Derek Novicki doubled in the opening inning for Keuka, but the Wolves were unable to capitalize on the early opportunity. St. Norbert seized control in the second inning, scoring four runs to take a 4-0 lead.
Keuka got on the board in the fourth inning. Zach Elinich led off with a double, advanced to third, and eventually scored during a double play as the Green Knights traded a run for two outs.
Starting pitcher Wyatt Ernst worked out of a jam later in the inning, picking off a runner to end the threat after St. Norbert had runners on first and second with no outs.
The Green Knights added runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to secure a 7-1 win in the opener.
St. Norbert carried that momentum into the second game, scoring a run in the top of the first inning. Ryan Schur Jr. came on in relief and stranded the bases loaded with a flyout to keep the Wolves within reach.
Keuka responded in the fourth inning as rain began to fall. Elinich started the rally with a double to right field before Ian Ruhmel reached on a bunt single. Mike Dutch followed with a base hit that brought Elinich home to tie the game.
Jackson Loper then attempted to bunt Ruhmel and Dutch into scoring position, but a throwing error by the St. Norbert pitcher allowed both runners to score, giving Keuka a 3-1 lead.
St. Norbert battled back in the sixth inning, scoring twice to even the game at 3-3 and force a decisive seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Nate Hill drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a single by Novicki. After Hill was thrown out at third on a bunt attempt, the Wolves loaded the bases when Elinich singled to center.
With two outs, Ruhmel hit a chopper to shortstop. St. Norbert attempted to turn a double play, but Ruhmel beat the throw to first, allowing pinch runner Matt Govendo to score from third and give Keuka a 4-3 walk-off victory.
Elinich and Dutch each finished with two hits in game two, while Elinich and Grady Kessler recorded doubles. Kessler’s hit was the first of his collegiate career.
Schur provided a strong outing in relief, pitching five innings while allowing five hits and two runs with two strikeouts. Liam Eshelman earned the win after getting Keuka out of the sixth inning and throwing a scoreless seventh.
Keuka totaled six hits in the opener, including doubles from Novicki, Elinich, and Ruhmel.
The victory was Keuka’s first in limited meetings with St. Norbert. The Green Knights now lead the all-time series 3-1.
The Wolves will continue their Florida trip Sunday with another doubleheader. Keuka is scheduled to face Framingham State University at 3 p.m. at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Florida.
