Photo - Hoppers YouTube Channel
It looked as if it was going to be another tough night for the Hoptown Hoppers. The Full Count Rhytym had used a three-run homer from Tyler Franks to break a 2-2 tie and take a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth. But, there apparently was some late-game magic for the Hoppers in Hot Rods Stadium in Bowling Green.
Joshua Rodriguez hit a two-run walk-off single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to cap off a four-run rally and give the Hoppers a 6-5 win, ending a five-game losing streak for Hoptown.
Hoptown loaded the bases with one out in the ninth after a single, a walk, and a fielder’s choice. Drew Donaldson would score on a Rhythm error to cut the lead to 5-3. Anthony Zarlingo then doubled in a run to make it 5-4. Full Count would then walk Ren Tachioka intentionally to set up the force play at home, but that plan was scuttled by Rodriguez’s game-winner.
Hoptown had taken an early 1-0 lead in the game when Luis Vergara-Schoonewolf singled to drive in Tachioka, who had led off the bottom of the first inning with a walk.
Full Count evened the score in the top of the third. Drew Robertson came up with an RBI single to make it a 1-1 game. Full Count took a 2-1 lead on a dropped third strike in the top of the sixth inning.
Hoptown battled back to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the 8th when Vergara-Schoonewolf singled and drove in Tachioka for the second time in the game.
In the top of the ninth, the Rhythm got a one-out single from Miller, followed by a double from Lowery, setting the stage for the home run from Tyler Franks.
Vergara-Schoonewolf and Ronald Brown each had two hits for the Hoppers. Vergara-Schoonewolf and Josh Rodriguez each drove in two runs.
Luke Genier got the win in relief for Hoptown. He pitched 2/3 of an inning in the top of the ninth, giving up one run on one hit and striking out one.
Marcus Goodpaster was the starter Saturday night for the Hoppers. He went 8 1/3-innings, giving up four runs, three of them earned, striking out 11 while walking none.
