After a four-game losing streak on the road, the Southern Ohio Copperheads returned to Athens at Bob Wren Stadium to play the Stark County Terriers.
The last meeting between the two teams ended in the TerriersÕ favor with a score of 2-5, but this time, history did not repeat itselfÑ the Copperheads defeated the opposing team 4-0.
The CopperheadsÕ bullpen had a strong showing. Starter Troy Testerman, Denison University, pitched a shut-out through five innings and also struck out six of the Terriers batters. He is now 2-0 this season as a starter. Richie Fraylack soon came in to relieve Testerman, and did not miss a beat while pitching two innings and adding five strikeouts to the CopperheadsÕ tally.
Not to be outshone by the pitching staff, CopperheadsÕ offense came alive early.
In the first inning, shortstop Paul Bennett, Elon, began the game with a base hit. He then went on to steal second and third base. After the TerriersÕ pitcher gave up a walk, Mike Foli, Buffalo, took the opportunity to hit a single and bring in Bennett.
Continuing their impressive play in the second inning, Copperheads Jared Willis, Ohio, and A.J. Jezerski, Denison, both hit singles to reach base. Foli again reached base on a bunt hit. With the bases loaded, Bennett, who had the first hit of the game, was able to get an RBI-single to bring in Willis.
The fifth inning was Josh Miler's, West Virginia State, time to shine as he hit a home run over the right-field fence. It was his first of the season as well as the only one in the game.
Game errors were a problem for the Terriers in the sixth inning. The first was a strike-three pitch dropped by the catcher, putting Jezerski on first base, followed by Foli, who grounded a single. Jezerski soon scored when the TerriersÕ third-baseman committed the second error of the inning for the visiting team.
The Copperheads will hit the road for their next game against the Delaware Cows.
The team returns Saturday, June 25, to Bob Wren for a 5:30 p.m. double-header against the Lima Locos, defending champions of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
17 Archives
Anthony Chambers
