After a 3-game losing streak over the weekend, the Copperheads came back strong Monday, beating the Stark County Terriers by a score of 2-1.
Continuing their first-inning scoring pattern, the Copperheads established a quick lead against the Terriers. Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League All-Star infielder Paul Bennett, Elon, began the game when he was walked by Terriers' pitcher Chris Vaculick, Eastern Illinois.
Bennett stole his team-high 10th base of the season when he stole second base to obtain a better scoring position. Josh Miller, West Virginia State, then stepped up to the plate and blasted a double to the outfield, bringing Bennett in for the score.
The Copperheads did not stop there as Dennis Winn's, Western Kentucky, pop-up gave Miller a chance to advance to third. Ryan Peisel, Eastern Carolina, took advantage of the runner in scoring position and hit an RBI single, making the score 2-0.
With their only runs scored in the first inning, it was up to the slim pitching staff of the Copperheads to keep the lead. Jonathan Nichols, UNC-Greensboro, started the game and pitched four scoreless innings. The Terriers were goose-egged by the relief pitching of Alan Letchworth, N.C. State; Richie Fralick, Ball State; Brant Spring, Lynn; and Aaron Miller, Lynn.
Because of injuries to the bullpen, Coach Andrew See used more relief pitchers than usual.
We do have a smaller staff right now
so we have been utilizing everyone just so that we can keep all of our starts good and healthy See said. Jonathan (Nichols) is a relief pitcher and he knew he would only be in there for a few innings. That was our game plan from the beginning and it worked out tonight. We have a crucial series of games coming up this weekend so we need everyone healthy and ready to perform.
The pitching staff kept the Terriers scoreless through eight innings until relief pitcher Aaron Miller came in during the ninth inning. Terriers' infielder Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State, came to bat and was walked by Miller. Bourquin then stole second base and advanced to third on a ground out. After a wild pitch by Miller, Bourquin eased into home plate, giving the Terriers their first score of the game. Miller, unfazed by his previous error, struck out the next batter and ended the game.
Relief pitcher Brant Spring spoke briefly about the intensity he and the other relief pitchers bring to the mound.
You know I'm a guy that you can put out there every day and any day but guys like Richie (Fralick) and Aaron (Miller) are just as intense
Spring said. As a team
we just need to keep hitting and keep pitching real well
and we'll be fine.
Spring also credits the offense the Copperheads bring to their games.
It's really not that hard going into a game knowing that you have the lead. It really pumps you up and motivates you to keep that lead
he said. I love that kind of momentum.
The Copperheads will continue their fight for a playoff spot this weekend as they host the Indianapolis Servants for one game Friday and a double-header Saturday. The GLSCL All-Star game will take place 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Bob Wren Stadium.
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Anthony Chambers
