Trey Fortner is a name not many were familiar with to start the season. Fortner was withheld from the mound due to an injury he recently found out was a bicep issue. Following some therapy, Fortner was cleared to lead the Hoppers in Monday night’s crucial division matchup with the Paducah Chiefs.
Fortner went the distance to give his team a significant 6-1 win over Paducah.
Hoptown jumped on the board early when MJ Rookard scored on a Paducah error. Shortly after, Cord Johnson singled to drive in Blake Jackson.
Cole Cummings scored on a wild pitch in the second to give Hoptown a soft cushion, leading 3-0.
Paducah added a run in the fourth that was unearned.
The Hoptown defense held down the fort and was rewarded a 3-spot by the offense in the eighth.
Another Paducah error scored both Johnson and Max Remy. Then, Nick Proto drove in John Keane on a sac-fly.
Fortner hit the first batter in the bottom of the ninth but followed by retiring the next three Chiefs to take the decision. His final line included 12 Ks while giving up just four hits.
Jacob Laws took the loss, giving up three runs in the first two innings.
MJ Rookard continued his hot batting, going 2-4 for two singles and a run scored. Cord Johnson also had a quality night at the plate, going 2-3 for two singles, a RBI, a run and a walk drawn.
Hoptown was also efficient running the bases, stealing seven as a team. Rookard, Jackson and Davis Keller had two a piece while Cole Cummings had one.
The win puts Hoptown (17-14) 2.5 games ahead of Paducah (16-17) for the lead in the West Division.
Hoptown will be on the road Tuesday, visiting Henderson at 7 P.M.