Mammoths Hit Late Homer to Beat Hoppers, 4–3
UTICA, Mich. – The Westside Woolly Mammoths (19-19) used a pair of late-inning home runs to power past the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (22-15), 4–3, on Thursday night at Jimmy John’s Field.
The Hoppers jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first when Andrew Bergeron drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and Chase Maifield followed with an RBI double, making it 2–0. Westside answered in the second as Ryne Guida launched a solo home run to cut the deficit in half.
Eastside extended its lead in the fifth on an error that allowed David Kedrow to score, but the Mammoths kept chipping away. Tommy Stevenson tied the game in the seventh with a solo blast to right. In the eighth, Hank Dodson delivered the decisive blow — a two-run homer that plated Dante Morton and put the Mammoths ahead for good.
The Hoppers threatened in the ninth after a single by Bailey Martin, but closer Ryan DuSang shut the door to record his fourth save of the season. Dillon Chapa (3–1) earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings.
Notable Performers
- Dylan McCall (EDH) – 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K
- Hank Dodson (WWM) – 2-for-4, double, home run, 2 RBI
- Ryne Guida (WWM) – 2-for-4, home run, RBI
- Tommy Stevenson (WWM) – 1-for-4, home run, RBI
- Bailey Martin (EDH) – 1-for-2, 2 walks, stolen base