UTICA, Mich. – The Utica Unicorns (3-2) and Eastside Diamond Hoppers (3-2) battled it out in a tightly contested Saturday doubleheader at Jimmy John’s Field, with both teams walking away with a win in the USPBL action.
Game 1: Hoppers Capitalize Early in 3-1 Victory
In the opener, the Hoppers struck early and held on to secure a 3-1 win. Silas Butler led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1, and the Hoppers tacked on single runs in the second and third innings thanks to RBI hits from Nathan Mix and Gio Ferraro.
The Unicorns jumped ahead in the top of the first, taking a 1-0 lead on Jared Weber’s RBI single, but that would be all they could muster against Hoppers starter Pierce Banks, who tossed 5.0 innings of three-hit ball while striking out seven. Riley Bost closed things out with a scoreless sixth to earn the save.
Julian Vargas (0-1) took the loss for the Unicorns, allowing three runs over three innings.
Game 2: Unicorns Edge Hoppers 2-1 to Earn the Split
In Game 2, it was the Unicorns who came up clutch, scoring both of their runs in the third inning to pull ahead for a 2-1 victory.
Trailing 1-0 after the Hoppers plated a run in the second on a Jorge Gonzalez RBI single, the Unicorns responded with patience and timely hitting. After a walk and single loaded the bases, Ryan Enos delivered an RBI single, and a wild pitch allowed the second run to cross the plate.
The Unicorns’ bullpen was lights out. After Michael Joyce worked 3.0 innings of one-run ball, Damian Espinoza, Brandon Vegas, and Ethan Cetton each delivered a scoreless inning, with Cetton closing the door in the sixth to earn the save.
Harry Orth (1-1) took the loss for the Hoppers despite striking out seven across 5.0 innings.
The post Unicorns and Hoppers Split Saturday Showdown appeared first on United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL).
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