Hoppers Win in Sudden Death Over Unicorns, 1-1
July 21st, 2023
UTICA, Mich. – Bryant Shellenbarger had three hits with one run scored to lead the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (13-14) over the Utica Unicorns (13-12), 1-1, in sudden death on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at Jimmy John’s Field.
Third-baseman Todd Mattox went 3-for-3 with one walk, and Alex Pup notched two hits. Anthony Flores scored Shellenbarger in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Nick Pastore, Felix Aberouette, Patrick Bagget and Donovyn Curiel collected all the hits for the Unicorns. Jacob Bisharat scored in the top of the second inning.
With the game being tied at the end of nine innings, the Hoppers won the coin toss and elected to play defense. Luke Drummond pitched the sudden death inning, walking two and striking out one. The Unicorns couldn’t cross the plate with bases loaded, giving the Hoppers the win.
The sudden death format is as follows: a coin toss will take place at home plate between the managers of both teams. The home team will call their selection as the umpire tosses the coin. The winner of the coin toss will select whether they will take the field defensively or bat in the inning. The team at bat will remain the same batting order as the previous inning with the hitter making the last out placed at first base. If the team scores a run, they win. If they are held scoreless, the victory goes to the team on defense.
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