The Hoptown Hoppers entered tonight's game just a half-game ahead of the visiting Marion Bobcats, but the Hoppers' bats quickly took the drama out of the game, taking a 7-0 lead through five innings en route to the 13-2 win.

     Hoptown (11-4) used a four-run fifth inning and a six-run seventh to take the wind out of the Bobcats' sails. Errors also plagued Marion, with the Bobcats making four miscues leading to five unearned runs.

The Hoppers were led at the plate by Brett Pirtle, who went 3-for-3 with a run scored and two runs batted in. Jake Sandlin went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs. Phillip Menou went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs and three RBIs, while Brad Sevenish went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs and two RBIs. Fernando Tanaka hit a triple for Hoptown and scored on a throwing error on the play, and Anthony Mazzella gave the home team a double.

     Marion (10-6) was paced by Greg Liming, who went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI, while Brandon Ollet went 2-for-3 and Derek Hannahs went 2-for-5. Tyler Bonaventure picked up a double and a run for the Bobcats, while Alex Reiman also got a Marion double.

     Taylor Veillon got the win for Hoptown, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking two in six innings. Kyle Barbee came on in the seventh, allowing no runs on two hits, striking out one and walking one in two innings. Layne Cecil closed out the game, allowing one hit in one inning.

     James Naile took the loss on the mound for the Bobcats, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits, striking out three and walking one in six innings. James Dyer came on in the seventh, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out one and walking one in two innings.