Hoppers Move On To Championship Saturday
September 6th, 2025
UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers broke out offensively on Friday night, defeating the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers 9-3 at Jimmy John’s Field.
The Hoppers struck first with two runs in the opening frame and never looked back, adding insurance throughout the night with a steady mix of timely hitting and patience at the plate. A big seventh inning sealed the game as the Hoppers plated four runs to put it out of reach.
Sebastian Schner highlighted the offense with a home run and four RBI, while catcher Drew Kedrow delivered three hits, including a double, and drove in a run. Shortstop Gio Ferraro chipped in with two hits and a stolen base, and Chris Maifield added an RBI hit to keep the pressure on Beavers pitching.
On the mound, Pierce Banks earned the win with two shutout innings of relief, striking out two and allowing just three hits. The bullpen was dominant down the stretch, as David Walker and Alex Baugh combined for three scoreless innings to close the door.
For the Beavers, their offense came alive in the fourth inning when they scored all three of their runs. Robert Maka, Pablo Ruiz, and Chase Rodriguez each reached base to fuel the rally, with Rodriguez and Taylor Shinn driving in runs. Ben Wilcoxson and Juan Romero led the Beavers at the plate with two hits apiece.
Beavers starter Connor Diffey III took the loss, allowing four runs over five innings of work despite recording six strikeouts.