Rochester goes on a 7-0 run to overtake the Launch, 14-9.
The Rochester Rattlers used a second-half, 7-0 run to defeat the Florida Launch, 14-9, and keep their Major League Lacrosse playoff hopes alive on Saturday night in the Sunshine State.
The Rattlers scored the first 3 goals of the match, but then were outscored 7-2 by the Launch as they trailed 7-5 midway through the third quarter.
Dhane Smith started the Rattlers’ run as he tallied twice in the rally. Ty Thompson collected a hat trick during the run as Kip Orban and Ned Crotty accounted for the other goals.
Penfield native Kyle Denhoff secured the victory with 2 empty net goals in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
John Ranagan paced the Rochester with 6 points on 1 goal and 5 assists. Thompson finished with 5 points (4g, 1a), and Crotty added 4 points (1g, 3a). Orban contributed a hat trick as Jeremy Boltus accounted for the other goal.
There are 7 MLL teams fighting for 4 playoff spots. The Chesapeake Bayhawks and New York Lizards lead the league with 8-5 records. The Denver Outlaws have completed their regular season at 8-6, while the Rochester Rattlers, Ohio Machine, Charlotte Hounds, and Boston Cannons are al knotted with 7-6 slates.
The Rattlers face the Atlanta Blaze on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Wegmans Sports Complex at Aquinas Institute on Thursday.