Hoppers Beat Beavers 3-2 Behind Dominant Pitching
UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (21-12) held off a late rally to defeat the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (12-19), 3-2, on Sunday afternoon at Jimmy John’s Field.
The Hoppers did all their scoring in the top of the third inning. Bailey Martin got things started with an RBI double to score Silas Butler, and Gio Ferraro followed with a sacrifice fly to bring Martin home. Andrew Bergeron capped the rally with a single to left, driving in Chase Maifield to give the Hoppers a 3-0 lead.
On the mound, Pierce Banks was outstanding, tossing five no-hit innings with six strikeouts to earn his league-leading seventh win of the season. After the Beavers plated two runs in the sixth inning, Austin Baugh came out of the bullpen and shut the door with three scoreless frames to pick up his second save.
The Beavers managed just two hits on the day, both in the sixth inning. Pablo Ruiz delivered an RBI single, and Ryan Maka added a base hit and a run scored in the Beavers’ only scoring frame.
Despite a tense finish, the Hoppers’ pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts and held Birmingham Bloomfield hitless in eight of the nine innings.
Notable Performers
- Pablo Ruiz (Beavers): 1-for-4, RBI, Stolen Base
- Pierce Banks (Hoppers): 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 6 K – Earned 7th win
- Austin Baugh (Hoppers): 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K – Recorded 2nd save
- Bailey Martin (Hoppers): 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, Double
- Andrew Bergeron (Hoppers): 1-for-4, 1 RBI, Stolen Base