Rensberger strikes out 15, helps Rochester edge Manchester

Heinzmann’s 2-run single in 3rd puts Lady Zs ahead for good

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Softball

Bria Rensberger Mylee Heinzmann

Rochester 5, Manchester 4 (Wednesday): Bria Rensberger struck out 15 batters in pitching a seven-hitter, and Mylee Heinzmann had the go-ahead two-run single in the second inning as the Rochester softball team hung on to beat Three Rivers Conference and sectional rival Manchester at Fansler Field Wednesday.

Also, Ali Field went 2 for 2 with a walk and an RBI for the Lady Zs, who improved to 9-2 overall and 2-0 in the TRC. Rensberger and Aubrey Miller also had hits against Manchester freshman pitcher Elin Betten.

Betten walked five and hit a batter. Rochester also had five stolen bases.

Izzy Renz went 4 for 4 and drove in all four Lady Squire runs, including a two-out three-run homer in the seventh that cut the Rochester lead to one, but Rensberger retired Alexis Jarrett on a fly to Heinzmann in right to end it.

The teams were meeting for the first time since Rochester beat Manchester 16-1 in five innings in last year’s sectional final at Oak Hill.

Renz’s RBI single in the first gave Manchester the lead.

Rochester went down in order in the first, but in the second, Jadyn Field reached on an error and went to second on a passed ball and to third on Ali Field’s single.

The Field sisters then executed a double steal with Jadyn Field stealing home to tie the game.

Ali Field then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Brailyn Hunter then walked and stole second. Heinzmann then lined a single that ticked off first baseman Mya Metzger’s glove for a hit that brought home Ali Field and Hunter.

Miller doubled to lead off the third and eventually scored on two passed balls to make it 4-1.

Manchester would get the tying run to the plate in the fifth, but Rensberger fanned Allie Egolf to retire the side.

Ali Field’s single in the sixth made it 5-1.

Rochester 5, Manchester 4

Manchester 100 000 3 – 4 7 1

Rochester 031 001 X – 5 5 1

WP – Bria Rensberger (7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 15 K)

LP – Elin Betten (6 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K)

2B – Hadley West (MAN), Aubrey Miller (RHS0

HR – Izzy Renz (MAN)