The Hoptown Hoppers, sitting atop the OVL West, played host to the Muhlenberg Stallions in a double-header on Saturday night. With seven games remaining, the Hoppers’ intentions were to extend their lead on the Paducah Chiefs for the OVL West crown.
However, that time will have to wait as Hoptown dropped both games at home to the Stallions.
The first, 11-4 and the second, 7-2.
The bats were relatively cold for both games, leading to both games telling generally the same story.
Hoptown actually scored first in game 1, as Matt Keane singled to score MJ Rookard.
However, Muhlenberg pealed off two in the second and two more in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead.
They matched their four in the fifth, taking an 8-1 lead. While Hoptown tried to answer with John Michael Reed scoring on an error and Malik Blaise stealing home, two runs weren’t enough to rally.
The two teams swapped runs in the sixth before the Stallions put up two more in the seventh to take the decision.
The second game had a much different start, as starting pitcher Ryan Traylor dealt almost nothing but strikes to the Stallions.
However, Muhlenberg ripped off a five-spot in the fifth inning to take the life out of the Hoppers.
Hoptown attempted a rally with a run in the sixth but were one-upped when the Stallions put up two more in the seventh.
Cord Johnson sent one yard in the final inning before the Hoppers recorded their last out.
The Hoppers (19-18) started 8-1 but are since just 11-17. They’ll host four of their five remaining games, though, and push for a strong finish into the postseason.
Hoptown will host the Henderson Flash on Sunday night with first pitch at 6 P.M.