Rockets suffer 3rd straight loss

FORT WAYNE - There were opportunities to come back. The Rockets just didn't cash them in.

The Portland Rockets fell behind 5-0 and were unable to rally Tuesday in a 7-3 loss to host LaMargarita Blues.

Eric Van Matre took the loss as he struggled in the start. He gave up five runs in just two innings.

Ethan Tribolet retired all 12 batters he faced to give the Rockets a chance to rally.

Portland (2-3) started a comeback try in the six, scoring the last of their three runs on an RBI single by Jay County High School graduate Andy Hughes. With two runners on base Heath Williams (JCHS) nearly tied the game, but his line drive was snagged by the LaMargarita center fielder.

In the seventh inning the Rockets loaded the bases with one out only to have back-to-back strikeouts end the threat. The Blues added two more runs off of Tyler Mills and Josh Shatto (JCHS).

The Rockets had 11 hits compared to just four for the LaMargarita, but were hurt by walks, hit batsmen and two errors.

Ryan Shell led Portland with three hits, and Hughes added two.

Former Rocket players Garrett Wiejak and Matt Ousley, Portland's all-time wins leader, shared the pitching duties for LaMargarita.[[In-content Ad]]