Bob Wren Stadium – The Southern Ohio Copperheads competed well with the Monarchs but were unable to get the win on Sunday July 14th.  Both teams had eight hits on the night: final score being 4-3.

The Monarchs started the game off strong in the top of the first inning, scoring two runs off one hit.  Alonzo Paul advanced to first after being hit by a pitch and stole second during Ty Garza’s at-bat.  With one out, Garza had a walk.  Jacob Guumieny doubled in the right center gap to score both Paul and Garza. 

The Copperheads added one run in the bottom of the second, 1-2, off two hits.  Gavyn Smith started the inning with a double down the right field line.  Smith made his way to third on a ground ball putout to Monarch’s second baseman.  With two outs, Trenton Neuer had a single between shortstop and third to score Smith.   

In the top of the fourth, the Monarchs were able to add another run, 1-3, off two hits. Gumieny started the inning with a double in the right field corner.  Copper Etheridge followed with a single up the middle to split runners. Gumieny scored on a ground ball to third for Liam Pollock.  

The Copperheads added one run, 2-3, in the bottom of the sixth off two errors. Isaiah Malek started with a walk and stole second with two outs.  Max Orozco advanced to first off a walk, and Isaiah stole third.  Billy Adams had a single to right field to score Malek.  

The Monarchs scored their final run of the game in the top of the seventh, 2-4.  Derek Ruiz started the inning reaching first off a walk.  Paul had a bunt single toward third to put his teammate in scoring position. Ruiz stole third and scored off a ground ball to third from Tanner Mally, while the Copperheads were able to make a play at second.  

The Copperheads looked to answer in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring one run off two hits.  Copper Thompson showed well at the plate with a triple to right to start the inning.  Alejandro Covas followed with a double to center to score Thompson. 

The Monarchs used two pitchers on the night, combining for seven strikeouts and six walks: giving up three runs on eight hits.  The Copperheads used four pitchers on the night, combining for seven strikeouts and one walk: giving up four runs on eight hits.  

Neuer batted well for the Copperheads, going 3-4 with three singles and an RBI.  Paul and Gumieny performed well for the Monarchs offensively. Paul went 2-4 with two singles; and Gumieny went 4-4 with two singles, two doubles, and two RBIs.  

The Copperheads will be back at Bob Wren Stadium July 22nd to play the Hamilton Joes, first pitch thrown at 7:05 p.m.

By Gabby Nafziger