Hoppers Outlast Beavers in Low-Scoring Battle, 3–1
June 16th, 2025
UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (9-5) struck early and held steady behind strong pitching to secure a 3–1 win over the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (6-8) Sunday afternoon at Jimmy John’s Field.
The Hoppers jumped ahead with two runs in the first inning, capitalizing on walks and a clutch RBI from Chase Maifield. Despite several opportunities to widen the lead, they stranded 17 runners on base. Still, their early edge was enough.
The Beavers responded in the bottom of the second with a solo homer from Ranko Stevanovic—his first of the season—but couldn’t muster any more offense against a tough Hoppers pitching staff.
Eastside added an insurance run in the seventh, thanks to a timely RBI single by Sam Schner.
On the mound, Pierce Banks improved to 4–0 with six strong innings of three-hit, one-run baseball, while Jaylen Smith earned the save with a clean eighth.
Notable Performances:
- Pierce Banks (EDH): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 K, Win (4–0)
- Sam Schner (EDH): 3-for-5, RBI
- Chase Maifield (EDH): RBI, 2 BB
- Ranko Stevanovic (BBB): Solo HR
- Jaylen Smith (EDH): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 K, Save (1)