LOVES PARK, Ill. — Ethan Guerra broke Traverse City’s single-season home run and RBI records in the third inning, launching a two-run shot that brought in his 61st RBI of the season during a 7-1 road win Thursday.
The Pit Spitters (22-12) remain one game behind Royal Oak for first place and must win their final two games and hope Royal Oak loses both of its remaining games against Kalamazoo to claim the subdivision title.
Guerra launched his first of two home runs in the game during the second inning, along with Noah Gerrick, to help the Pit Spitters pull away early.
Guerra broke the single-season record previously held by Chris Monroe in 2021 with eight home runs.
Pit Spitter right-hander Mason Compton threw five innings, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out five to earn his second win of the season.
Gerrick restored Traverse City’s advantage to three runs in the sixth, sending a two-run homer over the right-field fence to make it 4-1.
Ty Jenkins took over on the mound for Compton and handled the final four innings, holding Rockford scoreless on two hits without a walk.
The Pit Spitters added three insurance runs in the eighth as JT Smith and Mason Pilarski delivered back-to-back RBI doubles before Gerrick drove in his third run of the night with a single.
Traverse City outhit Rockford 13-3. Gerrick and Sean Martinez each recorded three-hit performances to lead the offense.
The three hits allowed were the fewest surrendered by the Pit Spitters in a game this season.
The Pit Spitters return to Turtle Creek Stadium for their final two games of the regular season against the Battle Creek Battle Jacks Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m.