Hoppers Sweep Doubleheader with 3–2 Victory Over Beavers in Game Two
UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (19-9) made it a clean sweep on Saturday night, edging out the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (10-16), 3–2, in Game Two of their doubleheader at Jimmy John’s Field.
Strong pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference, as starter Pierce Banks improved to 6–1 on the season with five solid innings of work. Banks scattered eight hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out four before handing the ball over to Austin Baugh, who closed the door with a scoreless sixth to earn the save.
The Hoppers struck first in the second inning on back-to-back doubles from Chase Maifield and Jorge Gonzalez. They added single runs in the fourth and fifth to maintain a slim advantage, with Maifield’s second double of the game plating what turned out to be the winning run.
The Beavers mounted a rally in the fifth, scoring two runs on a Ryan Maka double. But the Hoppers’ defense and bullpen held firm, ending the threat and preserving the lead.
Notable Performers:
- Ben Wilcoxson (BBB): 2-for-3, Run
- Chase Maifield (EDH): 2-for-3, 2 2B, RBI, Run
- Jorge Gonzalez (EDH): 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
- Nathan Mix (EDH): 1-for-2, RBI
- Pierce Banks (EDH): 5.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 K (W, 6–1)
- Austin Baugh (EDH): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K (Save)
- Jackson Romero (BBB): 2-for-3, Run
- Ryan Maka (BBB): 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI
- Matt Piotrowski (BBB): 2-for-3