UTICA, Mich. – The Utica Unicorns (17-13) used a five-run second inning and a resilient bullpen effort to hold off the Eastside Diamond Hoppers (9-21), earning a 6-5 victory Thursday night at UWM Field. Utica improved after overcoming four defensive errors, while Eastside threatened late before the Unicorns closed the door.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Unicorns responded with five runs in the top of the second to take control of the game. They added an insurance run in the fourth, which proved to be the difference as Eastside chipped away over the final four innings.
Joey Winters paced the Utica offense with three hits and two RBIs, while Alex Harrell scored twice, drove in a run, and reached base four times via three walks and a hit. Rafael Jackson III and Zayd Brannigan each scored a run, and catcher Zach Bauers added an RBI. The Unicorns drew 12 walks despite collecting just six hits.
On the mound, Nick Cosentino earned the win after working 1.2 innings in relief. Griffin Graham delivered 1.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts to steady the game late, and Garrett Harker struck out three in a perfect ninth inning to record the save.
Eastside was led by first baseman Justin Johnson, who homered in the first inning, tripled later in the game, and drove in two runs. Josh Burke added two hits, but the Diamond Hoppers couldn’t overcome Utica’s big second inning.
The post Unicorns Hold Off Late Hoppers Rally for 6-5 Victory appeared first on USPBL powered by Mortgage Matchup.
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