Harrison Waxley’s two-run triple in the bottom of the 8th inning was the difference on Sunday as the Hoptown Hoppers downed the visiting Paducah Chiefs 3-1.
The Chiefs lost for the second straight time, dropping them into a tie with the Madisonville Miners at the top of the standings. The Hoppers improved to 8-9, three games back of the league leaders.
Hoptown starter Peyton Armour allowed only two hits over five innings of work with one earned run and six strikeouts. Three Hopper pitchers combined to hold the Chiefs hitless over the final four frames, with Dalton Sisson going an inning, Easton Barnett striking out two in two innings, and Waxley getting the final three outs in the top of the 9th.
Former Trigg County Wildcat and current Murray State Racer Joe Peca was tough on the mound for the Chiefs. Peca went five and a third, allowing a single earned run on three hits with three walks and five strikeouts before exiting with one out in the bottom of the 6th.
The Hoppers opened their half of the 8th with a pair of walks before Waxley came up with two outs and runners on second and third. Waxley smacked a 3-1 offering down the line in right field to drive in a pair and snap a 1-1 tie.
Hayden Alexander took the loss for the Chiefs, allowing two earned runs on a hit with two walks and a pair of strikeouts.
Braden Pingel, Kolby Webb, and Dom Davis joined Waxley with a hit each for the Hoppers.
The Hoppers will hit the road to face the last-place Fulton Railroaders on Monday.
