On Tuesday, it seemed as though the Copperheads' offense stayed at home -the Delaware Cows shut the team out by a score of 2-0.
In prior games, the Copperheads usually were quick to put runs on the board within the first inning, but Cows pitchers Mike DeMark, Marietta, and Richard Brindle, John A. Logan, had different plans for the home squad. DeMark started for the Cows and pitched six innings with only one walk. Brindle came in on relief duty and struck out three players in the final innings.
Pitcher Dallas Puskar, Denison, did all he could to keep the Copperheads in the game. Going for his first win of the season, Puskar was consistent. He pitched five and two-thirds innings allowing two runs and no walks, and notching one strikeout. He suffered his third loss of the season.
Giving up only two runs can usually get you a win
Puskar said. It's a shame I couldn't help my team out more.
Defense also was a significant reason for why the Cows did not continue to build on their lead. Key defensive plays were made by Paul Bennett, Elon, who was a factor in two double plays -one of which he completed himself in the second inning. During the third, Mike Folli, Buffalo, added his own highlight to the game, flicking the ball right out of his glove to Bennett to assist on a double play. He also had an over-the-shoulder catch in the eighth to retire the side.
The lack of offense began to affect the Copperheads as they struggled to get the game going. When opportunities came to score, the players could not capitalize on any occasion. One of their wasted scoring chances came in the fourth inning, when Bennett was hit by a pitch and sent to first base. During an attempt to steal second, Bennett was called back because of a batter interference call on first baseman Ryan Peisel, East Carolina. Dennis Winn, Western Kentucky, soon came up to the plate. Bennett then once again tried to steal second, but was thrown out, retiring the side.
The Copperheads are now seventh in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League standings and 9-11 on the season. They will seek to rebound from this loss and continue to fight for a playoff spot this Friday, when they host the Delaware Cows again at 7:30 p.m. at Bob Wren Stadium. 17
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Anthony Chambers
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Troy Testerman (left) and Alan Letchworth, both Copperhead pitchers, get warmed up before their match up against the Delaware Cows last Wednesday at Bob Wren Stadium.
