The season crawling to a close, the Southern Ohio Copperheads last week failed to maintain their recent level of play but still managed to accomplish two season goals.
Despite defensive lapses, the Copperheads were able to win three of their six games last week. In the process, the team clinched a playoff spot and won their 22nd game of the season ' a franchise record.
Nobody was smiling on Tuesday night, however, as the Copperheads fell to the Licking County Settlers, 6-5.
Reliever Jon Pokorny made his first start of the season and pitched well through three innings, but he fell apart in the fourth and fifth. Pokorny's erratic control, coupled with three defensive errors, allowed the Settlers to notch five quick runs.
After the bunt play where I slipped (in the fourth)
I got out of my rhythm and it just went downhill from there Pokorny said.
The Copperheads fought back to tie the game at five, but centerfielder Tony Campana bobbled a bouncing ball in the ninth, allowing the game-winning runner to score.
Errors were prevalent earlier in the week as well.
On Friday night, the Copperheads squeaked out an ugly victory against the Xenia Athletes in Action. Despite committing five errors, the Copperheads completed the season sweep of Xenia with a 5-4 win. Neil Lindgren scored the game-winning run in the eighth inning on one of Xenia's four errors.
The Copperheads sloppiness in the field continued Saturday, costing them game one of a doubleheader with the Grand Lake Mariners. Copperheads starting pitcher Tony Bertucci did not allow an earned run in his five innings of work, but the defense failed to make plays.
We shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times
coach Mike Deegan said.
The Copperheads' four defensive blunders handed the game to the Mariners, 4-2.
Cleaning up their act in game two, the Copperheads managed to earn a split. Starter John Karr continued to dominate on the mound, pitching six shutout innings in the 7-1 victory. Infielder Geoff Campbell provided the offense with a first-inning grand slam.
Facing the Cincinnati Steam on Sunday, the Copperheads again split the twin bill.
In game one, the Copperheads rallied for two runs in the seventh to earn a 5-4 victory. Infielder Brad Winter tied the game at four with a solo home run to lead off the inning. Outfielder Anthony Gallas later scored on an error to complete the comeback.
The Copperheads' bats failed to make any noise in game two, and the team fell, 3-1.
With one week left in the regular season, the Copperheads sit in fourth place in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League standings. And though the team struggled last week, the players continue to like their chances in the playoffs.
I've seen a lot of good things from this ball club in terms of staying in games and battling late
Bertucci said. I think we're just gearing up for the playoffs right now and getting ready
and I think (the team's play) is coming along well.
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Andrew Bohardt
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