Unicorns Ride Big Innings to Victory Over Hoppers
Utica, Mich. — A pair of big innings powered the Utica Unicorns (12-11) past the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (17-8), 6–3, on Friday night in front of a lively crowd at Jimmy John’s Field.
After a quiet start, the Unicorns erupted for four runs in the third inning and added two more in the fourth to seize control. Jared Weber delivered the biggest blow of the game with a two-run home run in the fourth — his first of the season — while Austin Ochoa drove in two with a double as part of the third-inning rally. Ochoa finished the night 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a pair of doubles.
Unicorns starter Matt Colucci (2–0) picked up the win, going five strong innings and allowing just two runs on three hits. Michael Joyce recorded the final two outs for his first save of the season.
Bailey Martin was a bright spot for the Hoppers, reaching base three times, scoring twice, and tripling in the fifth. He also stole a base and showed hustle all night long. Chase Maifield and Marcus Judd each chipped in with RBIs for Eastside.
Hoppers starter Harry Orth (2–3) struggled through four innings, allowing six earned runs on six hits and three walks. The Hoppers bullpen trio of Pierce Banks, Deion Walker, and company kept the Unicorns off the board over the final four frames, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Despite the loss, Eastside made a late push in the eighth when Silas Butler walked and eventually came around to score on a pair of wild pitches. The Hoppers loaded the bases in the ninth, but Unicorns reliever Michael Joyce shut the door with back-to-back strikeouts.
The win brings the Unicorns to 12–11 on the season, while the Hoppers fall to 17–8.
Notable Performers:
- Austin Ochoa (Unicorns): 2-for-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI
- Jared Weber (Unicorns): 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
- Bailey Martin (Hoppers): 1-for-2, 3B, 2 R, HBP, BB, SB
- Matt Colucci (Unicorns): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 K, Win
- Michael Joyce (Unicorns): 0.2 IP, 2 K, Save