Hoppers Rally Late to Stun Beavers, 4–3
July 20th, 2025
UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (18-9) used late-inning heroics to complete a dramatic comeback and edge the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (10-15), 4–3, on Saturday night at Jimmy John’s Field.
After being held scoreless through five innings, the Hoppers came alive in the sixth, sparked by an Andrew Bergeron single. Wyatt Grant followed with an RBI hit, and Johnny Medina delivered the big blow—a two-run homer to left field that tied the game at 3–3.
In sudden victory, Marcus Judd was placed on base per USPBL extra-inning rules. Nathan Mix pinch ran and was promptly driven in by Sam Schner’s walk-off single, sealing the comeback victory for the Hoppers.
The Beavers had taken a 3–0 lead in the top of the fourth on a three-run blast from DJ Butler, scoring Nate Mensik and Pablo Ruiz. Beavers starter Choyce Diffey was dominant through five no-hit innings, striking out five and walking five before giving way to the bullpen.
The Hoppers’ bullpen was equally impressive down the stretch. Deion Walker earned the win with two shutout innings in relief, allowing just one hit while striking out one.
The sudden victory format is as follows: a coin toss will take place at home plate between the managers of both teams. The home team will call their selection as the umpire tosses the coin. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they will take the field defensively or bat in the inning. The team at bat will remain the same batting order as the previous inning with the hitter making the last out placed at first base. If the team scores a run, they win. If they are held scoreless, the victory goes to the team on defense.
Notable Performers:
- Deion Walker (EDH): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K (W)
- Johnny Medina (EDH): 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
- Sam Schner (EDH): 1-for-4, GW RBI single in 7th
- Wyatt Grant (EDH): 1-for-2, RBI, 2 runs
- DJ Butler (BBB): 1-for-1, HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB
- Matt Piotrowski (BBB): 3-for-3, 2B
- Choyce Diffey (BBB): 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 5 K, 5 BB