Clips win 2 out of 3 from the Copperheads
MUSKEGON, MI – We have now entered the final stretch of the regular season with just four series matchups left. The Southern Ohio Copperheads came to town this past week, and Muskegon was able to take the series two games to one but dropped the middle game. In the North Division, the Flag City Sluggers lead Muskegon by two games heading into the Clippers' three-game series in Hamilton, OH, to take on the Joes.
GAME ONE
The Clips run-ruled Southern Ohio in game one, 14-4, backed by a big offensive performance from All-Star starter Ben Meyers.
Chase Schwierking was handed the ball in the series opener and went four innings, allowing four runs while striking out seven. Schwierking battled through the first two innings when the Cheads put four runs on him, but the next two frames were clean as the righty was able to find his groove.
Muskegon trailed 4-0 early, but the Clips struck back with seven runs, all coming with two outs. They took a 7-4 lead and never gave it back, spreading runs throughout the back end of the night.
Ben Meyers went deep to left in the fourth inning and drove in a two-RBI single to that same spot in his next at-bat.
Easton Remick came on in relief and shined, throwing perfect fifth and sixth innings while striking out two hitters. Zander Wills came in for the seventh and allowed a couple of baserunners but struck out three hitters in a row to lock up a game one win.
GAME TWO
The middle game of the series was also game one of a doubleheader on Wednesday. It was a game Muskegon would like to have back as Southern Ohio came from behind with a four-run sixth inning to avoid the sweep.
The Clips got the scoring going right away after Dalton Dick kept his hot hitting alive when he ripped a single past the third baseman to drive in a run. Justin St. Antoine and Isaiah Domey both notched RBIs to give Muskegon a 3-0 lead after two innings.
The Cheads scored one in the third, but Muskegon canceled it out the very next inning, giving them a comfortable 4-1 lead.
Andrew Pohlmann started the game on the mound and tossed a dominant five innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven.
Southern Ohio rallied in the sixth with multiple singles along with a pair of walks. Lance Morgan had the big hit, driving in two runs on a frozen rope to left field.
The Clips grounded into a double play in the seventh to solidify the win for the Cheads.
GAME THREE
Muskegon bounced back in a big way in the series finale with an 11-1 win. Kaden Howard earned Player of the Game honors after tallying four hits and four RBIs.
Brady Young continued the hot streak for the pitching staff, tossing five innings while allowing just two hits and one run.
The lone run came in the first for Southern Ohio, but three runs in the second and five in the third for Muskegon proved to be too much for the Cheads.
Howard singled up the middle, bringing in two runs to begin the offensive prowess. The left-handed bat from Grand Valley State did it again the next inning, smoking a ball off the center-field wall for a double. Meyers homered for a second time in the series later to add to an 8-1 lead.
Sam Briggs and Jack Perry finished the job on the mound, posting scoreless frames.
The Clips won another series on the season and will be back in Muskegon for their last home series on Tuesday, July 14.