Rockets go 1-2 in trip north

MISHAWAKA — An eight-run first inning propelled the Rockets to a win in game two Saturday.

It was more runs than they scored in the other two-plus games combined.

The Portland Rockets went 1-2 on their annual trip up north with a doubleheader split Saturday and a loss in the first game Sunday. The second contest Sunday was halted in the second inning because of rain.

Portland is now 7-13 on the year.

The Rockets and South Bend Royals were tied at two apiece in the first game Saturday before the Royals struck for six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Portland got one back in the top of the seventh but wasn’t able to complete its famed Rocket rally and lost 8-3.

The eight-run first inning in game two was plenty to salvage a split as the Rockets won 16-5 in four innings. Portland scored four more times in the second inning and added two runs each in the third and fourth frames.

Zeth Tanner finished with three RBIs, while big brother Zach Tanner and Cody Krumlauf added two RBIs apiece. Elias Inskeep, Chase Ruiz and Carsten White all knocked in runs as well.

Dustin Lewis was 3-for-4 with a double and two singles in the loss to the Royals. Jacob Morris doubled and singled while Inskeep contributed a pair of singles.

Trailing 1-0 to the Mishawaka Brewers in game one Sunday, Inskeep hit a triple and tied the game as he crossed the plate on an RBI sacrifice fly from Zach Tanner. It was the only run the Rockets scored in a 2-1 loss.

Inskeep also singled, while Krumlauf and Lewis added singles as well.

Portland was down 5-0 in the bottom of the second inning of the second game before it was called because of rain.

The Rockets return to Runkle-Miller Field at 7 p.m. Wednesday as they host the Richmond Roosters for their annual Crossroads Night.