Rockets make top 6 but fall in bracket play

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The Rockets clinched a spot in the World Series, but they weren’t done yet. After going 2-1 in pool play, they earned a spot in the final bracket, but fell in their first matchup.

The Portland Rockets fell to the Berea Blue Sox 5-0 in the NABF World Series elimination bracket on Saturday to put a cap on the 2025 season.

The Rockets (26-10) held strong in the first inning, but Tyler Reynolds gave up four runs in the second on four singles, two walks and a groundout. Reynolds went two more innings on the mound without giving up another run. Jayden Simpson finished off the game with three frames with one run on two hits.

Portland had runners in scoring position in the first, fourth and fifth innings, but couldn’t get any timely hitting to produce a run. Corban White led the team with a pair of singles.

During Thursday’s pool play games, the Rockets beat the Hackensack Troasts 5-1 before falling to the Blue Sox 6-1.

Andrew Onuegbu and Simpson combined for a no-hitter against the Troasts. The sole run for Hackensack came in the second inning after an error got an initial runner on base and a hit batsman and a fielder’s choice pushed him across the plate.

Joel Kennedy powered the offense in the victory with three hits, one RBI and one run scored.

Garrison Brege stuffed the loss to the Blue Sox in pool play after giving up six earned runs on seven hits and two walks. Aidyn Coffey drove in Portland’s only run in the top of the first inning with a double to center field.

Crosby Heniser played the hero in Friday’s 4-3 win against the Lombard Orioles by driving in the go-ahead run on a double to lead off the eighth inning. Other offensive leaders were Garrison Brege and Evan Pearce with two hits and an RBI apiece.

Simpson earned the win after tossing the final 1 ⅓ innings while only surrendering one walk.