Hoppers Beat Unicorns 2-1 in Pitchers’ Duel
UTICA, Mich. — The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (2-12) capitalized on early scoring opportunities and received a complete-game performance from starting pitcher Jacob Mead to earn a 2-1 victory over the Utica Unicorns (8-6) on Saturday night during game two at UWM Field.
In a game dominated by pitching and defense, the Hoppers struck first in the opening inning. Kevon Jackson led off with a single, stole two bases, and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Justin Johnson to give the Hoppers a 1-0 lead.
The Hoppers added what proved to be the winning run in the fourth inning. Josh Burke worked a walk and later crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by Jarrett Chapman, extending the lead to 2-0.
The Unicorns threatened throughout the game but struggled to string together hits against Mead, who scattered five hits over six innings while allowing just one run and striking out five.
Utica finally broke through in the sixth inning. Ryan Enos continued his strong night with his second hit of the game and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Joey Winters to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, Mead retired the final hitters to secure the victory.
Enos led the Unicorns offensively, going 2-for-3 and scoring the club’s lone run. Zayd Brannigan, Logan Sanders, and Tyler Warr each added a hit in the loss.
On the mound, Trevor Sharp kept the Unicorns within striking distance, allowing one run over three innings. Dillon Fischer followed with two innings of relief, surrendering one run while striking out two. Together, the pitching staff held the Hoppers to just six hits.
Jackson paced the Hoppers’ offense with two hits and two stolen bases, while Burke reached base three times and scored the eventual game-winning run.