News

by Billy McDermott

 

MUSKEGON, Michigan – The Copperheads advanced to 9-3 on the season after sweeping the Muskegon Clippers in a two-game matchup at Marsh Field Saturday and Sunday night.

Southern Ohio didn’t allow a seven-hour bus ride deviate from their game plan this weekend as they traveled north to the shores of Lake Michigan. Collaborative efforts on both sides of the ball helped lift the Copperheads over the Clippers in two thrilling back-to-back games. They are now one-half game behind the Cincinnati Steam for a first place spot in the Southern Division.

Jack Liberatore had an outstanding start on the mound Saturday holding the Clippers to three runs through nearly five innings with seven strikeouts. Clutch hits from Blaine Crim and Joe Stewart also propelled the team to victory, totaling six of their seven runs.

The Copperheads didn’t hesitate to get on the board early as Ray Zuberer started the night with a base hit in the top of the first, who would eventually be driven in after a long home run to center from Crim. The Clippers managed to hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning, but Liberatore and his defense would only allow two more runs the rest of the game.

The bats would get hot again in the third for Southern Ohio as they added four runs to the lead. The bases were loaded just in time for Joe Stewart to hit a monster grand slam over the center field wall, allowing Ty Suntken, Thomas Zazzaro and Zuberer to cross the plate.

Zazzaro would score once more in the following inning after a pair of fielding errors from the Clippers’ infield granted the Copperheads their seventh and final run of the game.

Despite giving up the only three runs of the game, Liberatore was named the winning pitcher with support from his offense and bullpen. Winston Whitener, Blake Holub and Chace Harris contributed to the win by providing solid relief when the Copperheads needed it most. Each had one strikeout on the night.

Stewart was awarded the Dan Inman Electric Player of the Game, whose grand slam in the top of the fourth helped lift the Copperheads in their 7-3 victory.

On Sunday night, Dalton Earich started strong on the mound for the Copperheads. He pitched five innings and collected four strikeouts.

The Clippers struck first and scored twice, but the Copperheads retaliated and scored two runs of their own in the top of the second. Crim lined a double to center, followed by a single off the bat of Kyle Casserly. They would then both score on errors from the Clipper defense, one of them being a balk from Muskegon pitcher, Joe Kieffer.

Southern Ohio added another two runs in the fourth after taking advantage of more blunders from Muskegon. Colin Minor waited patiently in the batter’s box as four balls sent him to first on a walk. Mason Nadeau was then drilled by a wild pitch to put Minor in scoring position. Another walk from Ty Suntken loaded the bases, and a two RBI single from Zazzaro scored Minor and Nadeau to take the lead.

In the top of the sixth, the bases were loaded once again for the Copperheads as Suntken and Weisenseel were knocked in by Crim to seize a 6-4 advantage.

Austin Weaver then came in to relieve for Earich in the bottom of the sixth. He gave up an earned run, but it would be the Clippers’ last of the series as Weaver pitched for three solid innings, striking out two of the 11 batters he faced.

To top off the night, the Copperheads added two more hits with a double from Crim and a single from Casserly. They capitalized with runners in scoring position as Crim squeezed in a final run from third on a passed ball.

Southern Ohio relief pitcher, Joel Hake, closed in the bottom of the ninth striking out one batter and facing six. Hake retired the Clippers to end the game, despite loading the bases in a nail-biting 7-5 finish.

Austin Weaver was named the winning pitcher when the offense indefinitely took the lead in the sixth. Crim was elected the Dan Inman Electric Player of the Game after finishing the night with four hits, including two doubles and two RBIs.

After two consecutive wins on a long road trip, the Copperheads are successfully climbing their way up the division ladder in hopes of a playoff berth in August. They are looking to expand upon their record at home as they face off against the 4-9 Lake Erie Monarchs on June 26 at 7:05 p.m.