The Utica Unicorns Win In Sudden Victory Over the Westside Woolly Mammoths on Opening Day
UTICA, Mich. – Opening Day at Jimmy John’s Field would end up being a drama-filled game, ending with a sudden victory win for the Unicorns (1-0) over the Mammoths (0-1) in front of a packed crowd.
LHP Michael Esposito would start the game for the Mammoths, pitching 3.0 innings, recording a shutout, and tallying six strikeouts. In the fifth inning, the Mammoths would break the scoreless tie, with CF Jose Cedeno coming home off of a catching error committed by first baseman Dee Triplett. Anthony Sharkas had the only two hits for the Mammoths.
The Unicorns would finally drive in a run off the bat of Sherman Martin III, tying the game in the bottom of the 8th. Joe Smith went 2-for-4 hitting, along with a walk and a stolen base.
The Unicorns would pull out the sudden death win after a walk that would bring in the runner on third.
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.
Written by: Ethan Desjardine