In their home finale, the Southern Ohio Copperheads provided a fitting fan appreciation night with an 11-5 win against the Licking County Settlers.

The win puts Southern Ohio (21-17) in second place in the Southern Division of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League and in the running for the playoffs. Licking County and the Cincinnati Steam are tied for first place at 23-16.

“Today was a huge win that we absolutely had to have,” said head coach Austin Dunfee. “Everything else was out the window, we had to put our best nine on the field today and get the win.”

In addition to 90 degree temperatures at Bob Wren Stadium Saturday, the Copperheads provided some much needed heat at the plate after the slow-going first two games of the series.

Southern Ohio was up 3-2 going into the sixth inning, but were ready to tack on more runs after a single by Reese Trahey and two walks loaded the bases. In response, Licking County brought in Ryan Lutz, their second relief pitcher of the night.

Shortly after Lutz started pitching, Zyon Avery drove in Southern Ohio’s fourth run on an infield error. When Scott Combs stepped to the plate, Southern Ohio scored two more: one on a balk, and the other on a wild pitch. At the end of the sixth inning, Southern Ohio was winning 6-2.

As expected, the Settlers closed in the next inning, moving within a run and making the score 6-5 going into the eighth.

At their next at-bat, Southern Ohio was hoping to add some security to their small lead.

After Lutz threw back-to-back walks, Licking County made their fourth and final pitching change of the night, bringing in Dawson Sims. After Sims walked Combs and loaded the bases, Southern Ohio was able to surge forward.

Phillip Glasser, a hitter known for his performance in clutch situations, hit a two RBI single and made it to second base on an overthrow. Ty Crittenberger was then hit by a pitch, and after that, Reese Trahey walked in Southern Ohio’s ninth run.

But that wasn’t all — Dan Inman Electric Player of the Game Lucas Nasonti hit a two RBI single up the middle, bringing the score to 11-5.

Starting pitcher Jack Bennett made his second appearance on the mound for the Copperheads and contributed to the win with seven strikeouts.

While Saturday night was Southern Ohio’s final home game of the regular season, they travel to Indiana to take on the Richmond Jazz (14-24) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. If Southern Ohio wins all three games, they are likely to have a playoff spot.

Coach Dunfee is hopeful for the upcoming series.

“We’ve got a chance,” he said, “and we just have to take care of business in Richmond.”