The Lake Norman Copperheads (19-12) beat the Ballantyne Smokies (19-11) 8-6 in seven innings on Wednesday at Hopewell HS behind Brett Huffman, who went 1-1 and hit a home run.

Josh Russell brought the heat against the Ballantyne Smokies during his outing. Russell held the Ballantyne Smokies hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out five.

The Ballantyne Smokies were led by Luke Gibbs's hitting. Gibbs went 2-2, drove in one and scored one run. He singled in the second inning and doubled in the fourth inning.

Even though Mathew Ferraiolo allowed five runs over four innings he still recorded the victory, his fourth of the season. He struck out four, walked two and surrendered eight hits.

Steffen Simmons was charged with his second loss of the year. He allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings, walked one and struck out none.