Story by Narrative Science.

The Lake Norman Copperheads (25-13) refused to relinquish the lead after grabbing it early against the Pineville Pioneers (15-18), recording a 12-4 victory on Wednesday at Hopewell HS.

The game was decided quickly as the Lake Norman Copperheads exerted their will early with six runs in the first three innings.

A two-run error and a two-run single by Ian Edmiston during the first inning helped the Lake Norman Copperheads put some runs on the board early.

Mikal Hill racked up three RBIs on three hits for the Lake Norman Copperheads. He singled in the third, fifth, and sixth innings.

The Pineville Pioneers had no answer for Blaise Whitman, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. Whitman gave up just three hits, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out four during his four innings of work.

Brad Zebedis had two extra-base hits for the Pineville Pioneers. He doubled in the fourth and eighth innings.

Daniel Barfield was charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just 1 2/3 innings, walked four, struck out two, and allowed four runs.