The senior lefty got the pitch he wanted – a low and inside two-seam fastball – and barreled it. The line drive to center field continued to rise until it cleared the 360-foot fence at Adams' baseball field. The solo home run trimmed the Falcons' lead to three runs.
Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) hits a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning of the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-6 in extra innings.
"I've been ready," Borowski said. "I've been working for my moment and it just came."
Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) hits a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning of the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-8 in extra innings.
Seniors Johnny Safadi (single), Jesse Goettes (single) and Matt Toeppner (hit by pitch) loaded the bases in the next three at-bats. Sophomore Flip Watters kept the train moving by sending a low changeup to center field for a single, plating two runners to make it 6-5.
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"If I'm sitting changeup like I hit, I'm going to attack it," Watters said.
Toeppner and Watters stole second and third on the first pitch to Andrew Wozniak to put the go-ahead run in scoring position. Adams then called for a suicide squeeze bunt, but the pitch was too high for Wozniak to get down, and Rochester easily tagged out Toeppner as he stole home.
A few pitches later, Wozniak remedied the mistake with a sharp double to left field to tie the game at 6.
"My thought was, if we miss the [squeeze], we still got Woz at the plate and we are still OK to tie this game up," Adams coach Andy Lamkin said. "It was just a bad pitch, bad luck, bad timing."
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Rino Watters, Flip's older brother and a Central Michigan football commit, struck out to end the big inning. Rochester had one runner reach in the bottom of the 7th, but Rino Watters shut the Falcons down and forced extras.
Rochester Adams pitcher Akhil Pilla (22) and FB Rino Watters (12) run to first to get the out against Rochester’s Allesandro Prasatek (25) during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams INF Ben Peters (25) jumps up to catch the ball at second base as Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) slides during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams catcher McCallister Doelle misses the tag at home plate as Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) slides in for the run during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) celebrates scoring with a steal at home plate during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams’ Akhil Pilla (22) pitches during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams head coach Andrew Lamkin relieves the pitcher during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester’s Nathan Tandy (13) pitches during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester’s Jack MacDonald catches the throw at second but not before Rochester Adams’ Ben Peters is safe after sliding during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester’s Matt Dyki turns a double play after getting Rochester Adams’ Matt Toeppner (5) out at second base, during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester’s Jonathon Leik pitches last the closer during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams pitcher Rino Watters grimaces in pain after hurting himself field the ball during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams McCallister Doelle tags out Rochester’s #35 at home plate during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester head coach Eric Magiera goes to the mound to talk with Pitcher Nathan Tandy during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) hits a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning of the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-8 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) celebrates with his team after hitting a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning sparking a 5-0 run duringf the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-8 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams’ Jesse Geottes (3) slides home safe as Rochester’s catcher loses control of the ball during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams Johnny Safadi bats against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams’ Flip Watters slides into third base, during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams’ Rino Watters (12) gets a hit against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams celebrates their 7-6 win against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)Rochester Adams celebrates their 7-6 win against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)1 / 22
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams pitcher Akhil Pilla (22) and FB Rino Watters (12) run to first to get the out against Rochester’s Allesandro Prasatek (25) during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams INF Ben Peters (25) jumps up to catch the ball at second base as Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) slides during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams catcher McCallister Doelle misses the tag at home plate as Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) slides in for the run during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester’s Andrew Scott (21) celebrates scoring with a steal at home plate during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams’ Akhil Pilla (22) pitches during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams head coach Andrew Lamkin relieves the pitcher during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester’s Nathan Tandy (13) pitches during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester’s Jack MacDonald catches the throw at second but not before Rochester Adams’ Ben Peters is safe after sliding during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester’s Matt Dyki turns a double play after getting Rochester Adams’ Matt Toeppner (5) out at second base, during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester’s Jonathon Leik pitches last the closer during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams pitcher Rino Watters grimaces in pain after hurting himself field the ball during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams McCallister Doelle tags out Rochester’s #35 at home plate during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester head coach Eric Magiera goes to the mound to talk with Pitcher Nathan Tandy during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) hits a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning of the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-8 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams OF Luke Borowski (8) celebrates with his team after hitting a home run against. Rochester in the 7th inning sparking a 5-0 run duringf the MHSAA Division 1 baseball district finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester in the MHSAA finals 7-8 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams’ Jesse Geottes (3) slides home safe as Rochester’s catcher loses control of the ball during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams Johnny Safadi bats against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams’ Flip Watters slides into third base, during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams’ Rino Watters (12) gets a hit against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Rochester Adams advances after beating Rochester in Division 1 baseball
Rochester Adams celebrates their 7-6 win against Rochester during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Adams' Ben Peters reached on a Rochester error with one out in the eighth and proceeded to steal second. With two outs, sophomore Evan Newingham turned on an inside pitch for an RBI double.
"My eyes get big and my mind's thinking just make good contact," Newingham said. "And that's what I did. I didn't even feel it."
Rino Watters remained in and closed Adams' 7-6 victory. While Rochester hit in the bottom of the 7th, he walked over to the bullpen and told the reliever warming up that it was a tight strike zone, but not to worry too much because he planned on shutting the door himself.
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The senior took a line drive comebacker off his right thumb (glove hand) on the first at-bat, but collected the ball for an out at first. He waved off coaches and trainers despite swelling popping up, determined to finish the game. He induced two more groundouts for Adams' first district championship trophy since 2023.
Rochester Adams pitcher Rino Watters grimaces in pain after hurting himself field the ball during the MHSAA Division 1 District Finals at Rochester Adams high school in Rochester Hills, Mich., on Friday, May 29, 2026. Rochester Adams defeated Rochester 7-6 in extra innings.
"It hurt but it felt amazing," Rino Watters said. "Because I played with [Rochester's Andrew Scott] in travel ball. He's a fast kid. I knew if he got on, it was going to be trouble because he can steal bases."
Watters pitched the final 5⅔ innings after coming in as emergency relief. Rochester jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the third inning by stringing together long at-bats and a few key base hits. Rochester put two runners on with one out via hit by pitch and walk, forcing Adams starter Akhil Pilla out of the game. Reliever Kent Lutzka walked the next two, giving Rochester a run, and he was pulled for Rino Watters.
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All of his inherited base runners scored in Rochester's crooked inning, but he settled down from there and got the requisite outs to keep the comeback alive.
"It's nice to be able to give the ball to Rino and say, go be a senior, go be a leader, go be a warrior," Lamkin said.
Adams, which has been well-ranked all season, will face the winner of District 29, hosted by Utica Eisenhower Saturday. Three wins sit between the Highlanders and a trip to East Lansing.
"Hopefully, we still got another week and a half," Rino Watters said. "We are trying to get to East Lansing."
