Hoppers Edge Unicorns in Tight Battle
UTICA, Mich. – Behind a gritty team effort and timely base running, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (20-9) held off the Utica Unicorns (14-13), 2-1, in a six-inning contest Jimmy John’s Field.
The Hoppers struck early when Sam Schner tripled in the top of the first inning and came home on a sacrifice fly by Gio Ferraro. Schner was the spark plug again in the fourth, leading off with a single, stealing third, and then executing a steal of home to put the Hoppers ahead 2-1.
The Unicorns answered in the bottom of the third with a solo home run from catcher Nick Payne, but were unable to capitalize on several scoring chances. Despite collecting four hits and drawing four walks, Utica left seven runners on base.
Five Hoppers pitchers combined to limit the Unicorns to just one run, with Harry Orth starting the game with two hitless innings. Jaylen Smith earned the win in relief, and Deion Walker picked up his second save of the season by shutting the door in the sixth.
Unicorns starter Nick Cosentino took the loss, going five innings while striking out eight and allowing just two hits.
Notable Performers:
- Chris Schoeller (UU) – 1-for-3, 2B
- Sam Schner (EDH) – 2-for-3, 3B, 2 R, 2 SB, including a steal of home
- Nick Payne (UU) – 1-for-1, HR, BB, RBI
- Jaylen Smith (EDH) – 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB
- Harry Orth (EDH) – 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
- Deion Walker (EDH) – 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, Save