Photo by Cindy Dougherty
For the most part, the Hoptown Hopper offense had been exciting this season. However, in their Fourth of July matchup with the Muhlenberg County Stallions, the fireworks were a dud.
The Hoppers fell behind early and never caught back up to the Stallions, as they needed a home run in the final inning just to avoid the shutout.
Muhlenberg didn’t waste time getting on the board, scoring a run in the first. They followed with a run in the third to lead, 2-0.
Poor execution by the Hoppers with men in scoring position kept them scoreless during that stretch.
The back-breaker came in the sixth when Muhlenberg scored on an error that would’ve been the final out of the inning. They went on to double in the next at-bat to score two more and extend their lead, 6-0.
The defense for Hoptown tightened up but it was too late. Blake Jackson rocked his eighth homer of the season to lead off the ninth but the rally fell short as soon as it started.
Taking the loss for Hoptown was Trey Fortner, who went 5.2 innings to fan six and walk just two but allowed eight hits and two earned runs.
Jack Ockerman earned the win for the Stallions, striking out four and allowing just two hits.
The Hoppers (14-10) will be at Colonel Field again on Thursday night for a double header with the Paducah Chiefs (14-13).
First pitch is set for 5 P.M.
