Week in Review: Week Four

June 4th, 2017

By Steve Marowski

Utica — With two victories in week four of this season, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers have taken sole possession of first place in the standings. The Diamond Hoppers earned victories over the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers and the Utica Unicorns.

Thursday, June 1: Westside Woolly Mammoths vs. Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers played strong baseball for the first eight innings against the Westside Woolly Mammoths on June 1, but the Mammoths came back with six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to earn a 6-4 victory.

Mammoths shortstop Jeff Smith was 2-2 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored, and Tyler McVicar hit a two-run home run to give the Mammoths the lead in the eighth.

Beavers starting pitcher Kevin Matthews struck out nine Mammoths hitters in five innings and allowed just two hits.

Friday, June 2: Eastside Diamond Hoppers vs. Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers

Chris Power went 4-5 with two RBI’s and Esteban Gomez had a two-RBI triple in the Eastside Diamond Hoppers 10-5 victory over the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers.

The Diamond Hoppers erased a five-run deficit when they scored four runs in the sixth inning and four runs in the seventh inning. Gomez’s triple gave the Diamond Hoppers a 6-5 lead in the top of the seventh inning.

Jordan Pannell threw 3.1 innings in relief for the Diamond Hoppers and didn’t allow a baserunner in his outing.

Saturday, June 3: Utica Unicorns vs. Westside Woolly Mammoths

Utica Unicorns starting pitcher Donny Murray was dominant in their 7-1 win against the Westside Woolly Mammoths. Murray gave up just one run and struck out eight through seven innings of work.

Taylor Grzelakowski went 2-5 with an RBI and a run scored, and Brett Balkan was 2-4 with two singles and two runs scored in the victory.

Sunday, June 4: Utica Unicorns vs. Eastside Diamond Hoppers

In a game dominated by offense, the Eastside Diamond Hoppers defeated the Utica Unicorns, 9-8.

Kam Stewart went 2-3 with a home run, two walks, three RBI’s and a run scored, and Chris Power was 2-2 with two walks, an RBI and two runs scored.

Torey Deshazier threw two perfect innings in relief for the Diamond Hoppers and picked up a six-out save.

Unicorns right fielder Chris Cruz went 2-4 with a home run and four RBI’s.

Upcoming Games

Thursday, June 8, Westside Woolly Mammoths vs. Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers, 7:05 p.m. (Greek Heritage and Eastern Michigan Night/Thirsty Thursday)

Friday, June 9, Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers vs. Eastside Diamond Hoppers, 7:05 p.m. (Fireworks Friday/Meet the Hoppers)

Saturday, June 10, Westside Woolly Mammoths vs. Utica Unicorns, 7:05 p.m. (WCSX Classic Rock Saturday/First Responders Night/Boy Scouts Sleepover)

Sunday, June 11, Eastside Diamond Hoppers vs. Utica Unicorns, 1:35 p.m. (Princess Day/Princess Breakfast)

Standings

1. Eastside Diamond Hoppers 8-5

2. Utica Unicorns 7-5

3. Westside Woolly Mammoths 5-6

4. Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers 4-8