Valhalla, NY - Momentum can shift in an instant in baseball—and on Saturday, it flipped hard against Westchester.
The Westchester CC Vikings struck first, but a relentless offensive surge from Rockland CC proved too much to overcome in a 10-3 defeat.
Westchester wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first inning, pressure on the basepaths paid off when Beers induced a fielder's choice off the bat of Jason Jackson(Arlington High School), allowing a run to score and giving the Vikings an early 1-0 edge.
But the lead was short-lived.
Rockland answered immediately in the bottom half, as Fermin battled through a six-pitch at-bat before lining a single down the left field line to even the score at 1-1—setting the tone for a long afternoon.
The Vikings briefly regained control in the third. Mercer Jordan(Beacon, NY/Beacon High School) delivered, lacing a single that brought home a run and pushed Westchester back in front, 2-1. For a moment, it looked like the Vikings had regained their footing.
Then came the turning point.
Rockland erupted in the bottom of the third inning, unleashing a five-run barrage that completely flipped the game. Hit after hit piled up, and the decisive blow came off the bat of Floersheim, whose two-run single capped the rally and gave Rockland a commanding 6-2 lead.
Offensively, Westchester showed flashes. Jordan led the charge with a 2-for-3 day and two RBIs, while Austin Jorgensen(Poughkeepsie, NY/Our Lady Of Lourdes) was nearly unstoppable at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3. The Vikings also flashed defensive sharpness, turning two double plays to limit further damage.
But Rockland's offense proved a deeper and more consistent attack.
In the end, the Vikings struck early—but Rockland delivered the knockout blow, using one explosive inning to seize control and never look back.
GAME 2
After losing in game 1 Westchester responded in a big way in game 2.
The Vikings erupted early and never looked back, riding a game-breaking second inning and a commanding performance on the mound to an 8–3 win over Rockland CC.
With the game still searching for its first spark, the Vikings delivered a lightning strike in the second inning.
After working counts and forcing traffic on the bases, Mercer Jordan stepped into the moment and delivered the swing that changed everything—ripping a bases-clearing single to blow the game open and ignite the Vikings' dugout. In an instant, Westchester seized momentum and a 3–0 lead.
Rockland managed to answer with a run, but the Vikings refused to let the energy shift.
In the third inning, Westchester manufactured another run the gritty way. Jeremiah Rock put the ball in play and forced action, grounding into a fielder's choice that brought a run home and extended the lead to 4–1—small ball execution that kept the pressure firmly on Rockland.
From there, it became Riley Deneen's(North Salem,NY/North Salem High School) game.
The right-hander took the mound and owned it, delivering seven composed innings while allowing just three runs on six hits. He navigated traffic, limited damage, and kept Rockland from ever stringing together the big inning they desperately needed.
Westchester's offensive approach told the story of the game—disciplined, patient, and relentless.
The Vikings drew nine walks, constantly putting runners on and forcing Rockland pitchers into stressful situations. Jordan and Freddy Heymach(Pawling, NY/Pawling High School) led that charge with two walks apiece, setting the tone for a lineup that refused to chase.
Adriel Rodriguez(Yonkers, NY/Saunders High School) sparked the bottom of the order, going 2-for-3 to keep innings alive, while Jordan anchored the offense in the heart of the lineup. On the bases, Westchester stayed aggressive, swiping three bags and taking extra bases whenever possible.
In the end, it was a complete performance—timely hitting, disciplined at-bats, aggressive baserunning, and dominant pitching.
It was a great start to conference play for Westchester, as they beat the defending champions 3-1 in 4 games. They will return this Tuesday in a nonconference game against Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey. First pitch will be at 3:30 PM. Come out and support the Vikings!!
