UTICA, Mich. – The Eastside Diamond Hoppers (4-4) exploded offensively and received a standout performance from their pitching staff to cruise to an 11–2 victory over the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers (4-3) on Sunday afternoon at Jimmy John’s Field.
Bailey Martin led the charge for the Hoppers, launching a momentum-shifting grand slam in the eighth inning to cap a four-RBI day. He finished 1-for-4 with a walk and played a key role in breaking the game open late. First baseman Chase Maifield also left his mark, belting a two-run homer in the second inning to give the Hoppers an early lead and finishing with two RBIs and a walk.
The Beavers struck first in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on three walks and a bases-loaded free pass to bring in a run. But that was all the damage they could manage early, as Hoppers starter Pierce Banks (2–0) silenced their bats over five dominant innings. Banks allowed just one hit and one earned run while striking out five.
The Hoppers scored in five different innings, gradually building their lead. Marcus Judd reached base four times, scored twice, and drove in a run, while Gio Ferraro added two doubles and an RBI. Sam Schner’s third-inning triple also helped fuel the Hoppers’ attack.
The Beavers’ only other run came on a solo home run by Ray Hilbrich in the sixth inning. Despite drawing six walks, the Beavers managed just four hits and left several opportunities on base. The pitching staff struggled to contain the Hoppers, combining to allow nine hits, 11 runs (10 earned), and eight walks.
The loss was charged to Beavers starter Logan McCleery (0–1), who surrendered four runs over three innings.
Notable Performances:
- Bailey Martin (HOP) – 1-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, BB
- Chase Maifield (HOP) – 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB
- Pierce Banks (HOP) – 5.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 5 K
- Ray Hilbrich (BEA) – 1-for-3, HR, BB, RBI, 2 SB
The post Hoppers Power Past Beavers, 11–2, Behind Martin’s Grand Slam and Banks’ Strong Start appeared first on United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL).
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