The Lake Norman Copperheads (15-13) built an early lead against the Pineville Pioneers (11-14), scoring three runs in the first inning, en route to a 5-4 win on Saturday at Hopewell HS.

A three-run double by Jacob Sasser delivered the runs in the first. The Lake Norman Copperheads had two hits in the inning.

Sasser racked up three RBIs on one hit for the Lake Norman Copperheads.

Josh Bottenfield recorded his third win of the year for the Lake Norman Copperheads. He allowed four runs over 5 2/3 innings. Bottenfield struck out four, walked three and gave up four hits.

Caleb Smith ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just one inning, walked two, struck out none, and allowed two runs.