Westside Powers Past Utica, 9-2, Behind Big Third Inning
UTICA, Mich. – A six-run third inning proved to be the difference as the Westside Woolly Mammoths (12-5) pulled away for a 9-2 victory over the Utica Unicorns (9-2) on Saturday during game one at UWM Field. Westside scored nine runs on nine hits, while its pitching staff limited the Unicorns to four hits in the six-inning contest.
The Mammoths struck first with two runs in the second before breaking the game open in the third. Westside sent 11 batters to the plate during the inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from designated hitter Corbin Shaw, who finished the night 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. Kyle Revere and Jordan Viars each delivered RBI doubles during the rally as the Mammoths built an 8-0 advantage.
The Unicorns responded with two runs in the bottom of the third. Matthew Lee crossed the plate after reaching base, while Cecil Lofton and Alex Harrell each drove in a run to cut the deficit to 8-2. However, Utica was unable to generate another scoring threat the rest of the way.
Westside added one final insurance run in the sixth on Shaw’s second homer of the game, capping a dominant offensive performance. Viars finished with two RBIs, Revere collected two hits and two RBIs, and Morton added a pair of hits as the Mammoths totaled nine hits and drew six walks.
For Utica, Ryan Enos, Lofton, Chris Schoeller Jr., and Lee each recorded a hit. Lofton drove in the Unicorns’ first run, while Harrell added a sacrifice fly for the second.
On the mound, Daniel Barcena earned the victory after allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out four over 5.1 innings. Collins recorded the final two outs to close out the win.