Beavers Beat Hoppers, 2-1
May 29th, 2026
UTICA, Mich. – Despite a strong pitching performance and a late spark from center fielder Kevon Jackson, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (0-7) fell to the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (4-3), 2-1, on Friday night at UWM Field.
The Beavers struck early, plating two runs in the top of the first inning on an RBI double by Anthony Abbatine and a sacrifice fly from Kaehukai Young to take a 2-0 lead.
Hoppers starter Deion Walker settled in after the opening frame, allowing just three hits over five innings while striking out five. Relievers Jacob Mead and Jude Baxt combined to hold the Beavers scoreless over the final four innings, giving the Hoppers a chance to rally.
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the fifth when Jackson launched a solo home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The blast was Jackson’s lone hit of the night and accounted for the Hoppers’ only run.
Offensively, the Hoppers out-hit the Beavers 6-4. Jarrett Chapman led the way with two hits, while David Kedrow, Bailey Martin, Shane Hewlette, and Jackson each added a hit. Hewlett contributed a triple in the sixth inning, but the Hoppers were unable to capitalize as they stranded eight runners on base.
The Beavers bullpen proved to be the difference, combining for 4.2 scoreless innings after Jackson’s homer. Josh Nielsen earned the win in relief, while Spencer Smith recorded the save. Walker was charged with the loss despite a quality outing.