Hoppers Win in Sudden Death, 4-3, Over Unicorns
UTICA, Mich. – Joe Burke walked, scoring Alex Pup to lead the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (22-19) over the Utica Unicorns (16-24), 4-3, in sudden death on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at Jimmy John’s Field.
Bryant Shellenbarger and Taj Porter had two hits for the Hoppers. Porter also had one RBI. Brett Erwin started on the mound, pitching 6.0 innings, scattering seven hits, allowing three runs and striking out five.
For the Unicorns, Angel Diaz, Phil Matulia and Patrick Bagget all had two hits. Nick Pastore and Diaz had one RBI.
The sudden death 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.
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