Mammoths Hold Off Hoppers in Independence Day Victory
July 6th, 2026
UTICA, Mich. – The Westside Woolly Mammoths (13-7) built an early lead and withstood a late Eastside Diamond Hoppers (6-15) rally to earn a 6-4 victory on Independence Day at UWM Field. A three-run first inning gave the Mammoths the momentum they needed, and they never looked back.
Westside struck quickly in the opening frame when Jordan Viars launched a three-run home run, giving the Mammoths an immediate 3-0 advantage. They added another run in the fifth before Dante Morton helped put the game away with a solo home run in the seventh, while Dalton Pearson chipped in with a run-scoring double to extend the lead to 6-2.
Viars led the Mammoths’ offense with four RBIs, while Morton finished with two runs scored and a home run. Pearson added two hits, including a double, and scored twice as Westside collected seven hits in the win.
The Hoppers refused to go quietly, scoring once in the fifth, once in the sixth, and twice in the seventh to cut the deficit to two. Kevon Jackson highlighted the comeback attempt with an RBI double, while Josh Burke, David Kedrow, and Bailey Martin each drove in a run. However, the Mammoths’ bullpen closed the door before Eastside could complete the rally.
On the mound, Daniel Barcena earned the victory after allowing no runs over 3.2 innings while striking out four. Kerry Collins, Conor Gausselin, Gavin Brasosky, and David Craig combined to finish the final 3.1 innings and secure the 6-4 win for Westside.