LINCOLN, Calif. – A break in the schedule saw Jessup take the field Tuesday for a non-conference contest against Simpson. Backed by a big day from their senior third baseman, and a dominant outing on the mound, Jessup got back in the win column by the final of 4-2.
Jessup's third baseman, Brennan Rozell, stole the show Tuesday on both sides of the diamond. At the dish, Rozell went 3-for-5, reaching base in his first four plate appearances. He started the day with back-to-back doubles, but Rozell was stranded on base each time. The senior decided to take matters into his own hands with his fourth at-bat, launching a two-run bomb over the left field fence.
The home run, which proved to be the winning hit, was Rozell's fifth in a Jessup uniform.
Noah Takayama provided Jessup's other two runs, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBI.
But it wasn't just in the batter's box where Rozell shined. Usually a shortstop, Rozell moved to third over the weekend and hasn't shown any signs of discomfort. On Tuesday, Rozell made multiple diving stops leading to four assists from the hot corner.
On the mound, Jessup went to
Caleb Markwith for the start, and he did not disappoint. Lasting four innings, Markwith finishes one shy of qualifying for the victory. During those four frames, Markwith kept the Red Hawks off the board, allowing just three hits.
Jason Riviello followed Markwith with three shutout frames of his own, striking out three while surrendering just one base hit. Riviello earned the victory in relief, improving to 3-0 on the season.
Simpson ended the shutout in the eighth, tacking on two unearned runs on
Preston Brook. The rally saw the tying run reach scoring position, but Brook managed to get the go-ahead run to ground out.
A perfect ninth inning from
Kevin Gutierrez shut the door on any comeback, earning Gutierrez the first save of his collegiate career.
Jessup (16-20-1) continues its quest for a sixth consecutive winning season. To do so, Jessup will need to sweep the rest of the season and earn a spot in the GSAC Tournament, where they will then need to win another game.
Last season saw Jessup clinch a postseason spot on the last day of the season, leading to a trip to the GSAC Championship game.
The Warriors now get a weekend to sit back and relax, as no games await Jessup until next week. Jessup will return from their bye on Wednesday, April 19, when Menlo comes to town for a non-conference game. Jessup will wrap up the season that weekend with three games against The Master's.
Tickets to all remaining home games can be purchased
HERE.
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Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
