The Southern Ohio Copperheads' season came to a disappointing close Friday night after they gave up a 5-run lead in the ninth inning.
The Copperheads squared off against the Delaware Cows to determine which team was to advance to the championship round.
Adam Gingras pitched six quality innings against the Cows, only allowing one run. The Copperheads also found their rhythm on offense and the team was able to take an 8-1 lead into the eighth inning.
Kyle Cowden replaced Gingras in the seventh and retired the first three batters. The Cows were able to score two runs against Cowden in the eighth, but the Copperheads still had a comfortable five run lead heading into the last inning. That's when the unthinkable happened.
Cowden remained on the mound when the ninth inning began. After giving up a single to the first batter, Cowden gave up back-to-back homers making the score 8-6. Coach Deegan made the call to the bullpen for his best relief pitcher, Chuck Boring.
Boring allowed one player to score and two others to reach base. It was at this point that a groundball was hit towards shortstop Zach Hartle. He was able to field the ball cleanly, but his throw was off target. The error allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to score. The Copperheads would eventually lose 9-8.
The devastating playoff loss can't take away all that the Copperheads have accomplished this season. Southern Ohio finished with a record of 23-15. While efficient on the road, the Copperheads performed best at home, finishing with a 13-6 record at Bob Wren Stadium.
A number of Copperheads made names for themselves this summer as well. Matt Stiffler of Ohio University finished the season with a .357 batting average and 15 RBIs. Tony Campana, who had three steals in the playoff loss, lead the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League with 24 stolen bases.
Campana also hit .349 in the lead-off position. Boring was one of the best relief pitchers in the league. He finished with a record of 1-1 and an impressive ERA of .54. All three players made the First Team All-GLSCL.
17 Archives
Matthew Hensch
200708094622midsize.jpg
Copperheads outfielder Tony Campana slides to complete his successful steal of third base against the Delaware Cows Friday, August 3. The Copperheads lost the playoff game 9-8.
