Copperheads cool down Steam with 15-4 win
The Southern Ohio Copperheads ended the Cincinnati Steam’s six game winning streak Friday night with an exciting 15-4 victory.
Southern Ohio was eager to redeem themselves after Thursday night’s loss. With two outs in the second inning, they jumped ahead early, securing a nine run lead.
“It’s something about the Copperheads, with two outs in any inning, they seem to tack on a lot of runs,” said Copperheads Media Network broadcaster Connor Mills.
After Cincinnati’s starting pitcher Jordan Menfee walked his third batter in the second inning, the bases were loaded.
Southern Ohio was ready to rally. The charge started with RBI singles from Lucas Nasonti, Reese Trahey, and Sebastian Fabik — and ended with a grand slam from Zyon Avery.
It was consistency that kept Southern Ohio from giving up their lead. Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League Pitcher of the Week Zach Iverson struck out nine in seven innings pitched.
Iverson’s performance places him as the league leader for strikeouts (48) and wins (4), and in second place for ERA (.92).
“It feels like the word phenomenal comes up every time I use his name,” said head coach Austin Dunfee after Iverson’s win against the Lima Locos on June 29. “With us being short on pitchers, he stepped up in a big way. For lack of a better term, he’s been the glue that has kept our boat afloat.”
Cincinnati scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, none of which were earned for Iverson, making the score 13-4 up through the seventh.
In the top of the eighth inning, Daniel Cruz hit a two run home run to extend Southern Ohio’s lead to 15-4.
Lucas Nasonti was awarded Dan Inman Electric Player of the Game status after going 5/6, scoring one run and earning an RBI.
Throughout the duration of the game, Cincinnati brought in a total of four pitchers.
Southern Ohio (15-13) is now tied with the Hamilton Joes (14-12) for third place in the Southern Division of the GLSCL. Cincinnati (18-11) currently leads the division.
The rubber match between Southern Ohio and Cincinnati will take place Sunday evening, at 6:05 p.m., at McLeary Field.
