Unicorns Rally Past Hoppers, 7-6
UTICA, Mich. – The Utica Unicorns (24-17) erased an early five-run deficit with a late offensive surge, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (12-29), 7-6, Saturday night at UWM Field.
Eastside jumped out to a 3-0 advantage in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run triple from Jarrett Chapman. The Diamond Hoppers added two more in the third and another in the fifth to build a 6-2 lead. Despite scoring six runs, Eastside managed just two hits on the night while drawing nine walks.
The Unicorns began their comeback in the fifth. With two outs and two runners aboard, Ryan Enos delivered a two-run double to get Utica on the board. Then came the decisive sixth inning.
Utica sent five runs across in the sixth to turn a 6-2 deficit into a 7-6 advantage. Alex Harrell drove in two runs, Cecil Lofton delivered a two-run double, and Enos added another RBI to complete a three-RBI night. Enos finished 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, while Lofton, Harrell, Zayd Brannigan, Braxton Meguiar and Logan Sanders each collected a hit.
Once the Unicorns grabbed the lead, the bullpen shut the door. Trevor Sharp earned the win after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings, an Garrett Harker worked a scoreless seventh to earn the save. Utica’s pitching staff held Eastside hitless over the final two innings to preserve the one-run victory.
Rafael Brito was charged with the loss for Eastside after allowing five runs, three earned, in two-thirds of an inning. Brendan Seman followed with 1.1 scoreless innings and struck out three.