Rockets rally, come up short

LOUISVILLE — The Portland Rockets were unable to defend their title at the National Amateur Baseball Federation regional tournament, falling 15-11 to the Louisville Cobalts on Saturday after beating the Cincinnati Chiefs 9-7 earlier in the day.
Starting pitcher Tyler Reynolds took the loss for the Rockets as the Cobalts jumped out to an early 6-2 lead. The Cobalts’ advantage would reach 13-2, but the Rockets rallied to bring the game within reach. Portland’s rally ran out of steam as the Rockets’ came up short of earning a World Series berth.
In its first game of the day facing elimination, the Rockets relied on right-hander Michael Caley, who threw a complete game while striking out 11 and throwing 123 pitches.
Justin Marrero and Wright State University graduate Zach Tanner led the Rockets’ offense in the tournament, hitting three home runs each. Marrero went 8-for-15 with nine RBIs and Tanner had five hits and six RBIs.
Chris Miller, Nick Hollowell and 2002 Jay County High School graduate Mitch Waters each added five hits apiece. Logan Hug and Dalton Tinsley had four hits each.
The Rockets finished the 2013 season with record of 32-8-1.[[In-content Ad]]