(From Fulton) Tensions ran high as the Railroaders piled up 12 runs on 14 hits to take the first game over the Hoppers in the best of three OVL Championship series.

     The Hoppers took a short lived one run lead in the 1st inning scoring an unearned run off an error and RBI single by Philip Menou. In the bottom of the 2nd inning the Railroaders put up 5 runs which began with a Quinton Alexander RBI double. After loading the bases, Hopper starter Taylor Veillon was replaced by Kyle Spencer with Angelo Burrage coming to the plate who in turn hit a grand slam homer. Spencer's next batter, Andrew Cash, was then hit by a pitch that cleared both dugouts onto the field. Cooler heads finally prevailed after a lengthy delay and both team were warned. 

     Hoptown clawed back in the third adding 2 runs with a RBI single by Jake Sandlin who also made it to 3rd base, then scored on a passed ball. The Hoppers made is 5-4 game in the fifth scoring one with the bases loaded and Nolan Fisher hit by pitch for a RBI the hard way.

     The Railroaders poured on 4 more runs in the 5th with a Rob Hogenkamp 2 RBI homer and a Billy O'Connor 2 RBI double. In the 6th inning, Fulton pulled away as Angelo Burrage launched another homerun with 2 runners aboard to reach the final 12-4 score.

     Angelo Burrage was best for Fulton going 2 of 5 with his two homers producing 7 RBI, followed by Rob Hogenkamp and Billy O'Connor each getting only one hit with 2 RBI each. Hoptown managed 6 hits total with only Jake Sandlin and Philip Menou hitting to drive in one run each.

     Fulton's starter Roman Kelly was pulled after 4 2/3 innings with no decision, striking out and walking 5 each, allowing 3 hits and tagged for 4 unearned runs. After loading the bases hitting a batter in the 5th with two outs, manager Albert Destrade pulled Kelly who appeared to be tiring and losing control. Lefthander Brock Downey came in the get the last out in the inning and continued for two more innings to get the win giving up only one hit and striking out three.

     Starter Taylor Veillon takes a hard loss for Hopkinsville throwing for only 1 1/3 innings striking out and walking 3 each, giving up 4 hits and 4 earned runs. Hoptown sent four pitchers to mound to complete the game with Kyle Spencer lasting the longest at 3 innings pitched.

     The two teams will play game two in Hopkinsville on Sunday, and a third game at the Hoppers home field on Monday if needed.