Joe Bertone went 1-4 and hit a home run, helping the Lake Norman Copperheads (1-1) to a 6-2 victory over the Ballantyne Smokies (1-1) on Tuesday at Hopewell HS.

The Ballantyne Smokies had no answer for Chad Adkins, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. Adkins held the Ballantyne Smokies hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out one.

The Lake Norman Copperheads had no answer for Kurt Kempema, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. The Lake Norman Copperheads managed just one hit off of the the Ballantyne Smokies' pitcher, who allowed one earned run, walked one and struck out one during his five innings of work.

Justin Evans recorded his first win of the year for the Lake Norman Copperheads. Evans struck out two, walked none and gave up no hits.

Francesco Scudiero ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just three innings, walked one, struck out two, and allowed four runs.