News

by Clark Wicks, Copperheads Staff Writer

The Southern Ohio Copperheads (14-13) overcame their previous offensive struggles and bounced back to beat the Lake Erie Monarchs (11-17) Wednesday night with a final score of 3-1.

Following another strong pitching performance from starting pitcher Tyler Straley, the Copperheads showed off their speed and base running skills to get their first win against the Monarchs this season. The Copperheads stole six bases in their close win and every base mattered as two of their three runs came from stealing home.

“We’re just trying to look for ways to get on base and create pressure on the defense,” shortstop Ted Williams said.

Aside from a solo home run in the first inning, Straley allowed just two more hits in seven innings pitched as he struck out eight batters. In Straley’s fifth start of the season, he was able to retire 12 consecutive batters to pick up his fourth win of the season.

Following Straley’s strong performance, RHP Jesse Anderson took over in the eighth inning striking out one batter to give him 21 strikeouts on the season, the second most in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. RHP Connor McMann came in to close in the ninth inning and struck out the side to pick up his sixth save of the season, McMann has the second most saves in the league.

“Right off the bat we were behind so I knew I had to keep our team in it, I couldn’t give up more than one run just to give ourselves a chance,” Straley said. “Our offense put everything together and we ended up coming out with a victory.”

After a tough loss to the Monarchs Tuesday night, the Copperheads were able to consistently reach base like they have all season. Once on base the Copperheads used their speed to steal bases and create crucial runs even when batters weren’t making contact which proved to be the difference in their close win.

With two runs scored from stealing home and one run scored on an error, none of the Copperheads three runs were batted in. In these cases where batters can’t get runners across the plates, intangible skills like base running and speed become incredibly important to secure these close wins.

“We know we have a good offense so anytime you get on base no matter what it is; a walk or you’re hitting the ball well you’re helping the team out,” Williams said. “That’s what coach preaches and that’s what we try to do.”