(From Hopkinsville)  The host Hoptown Hoppers broke open a 1-1 tie with two unearned runs in the sixth inning to claim a 3-1 win over the Marion Bobcats. The win propelled the Hoppers into a three-way tie for first place in the Ohio Valley League with Hopkinsville and Madisonville.

     Marion (2-7) got on the scoreboard first in the top of the first inning when Paul Angel hit a one-out single, went to third on a single by Brandon Lawing and scored on a double-steal to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead.

     Hoptown countered in the bottom half of the inning when Mitch Huckabay led off with a single, went to third on a failed pickoff attempt and scored on a double by Mason Colquitt to knot the game at 1-1 after an inning.

     That's where the score stood until the bottom of the sixth inning. Colquitt led off the inning with a walk followed by a single by John Beary. Zac Carter then reached on a bobbled sacrifice attempt to load the bases. Derek Ferch then hit a nubber in front of the plate that was fielded by starting pitcher Luke McDonald, who underhanded it to catcher Clint Ambrosch for the force out at home. 

     Seth Larue then slapped a two-out pinch-hit double, scoring Beary and Carter to put Hoptown ahead for good 3-1. Larue was thrown out at third on the play.

     Hoptown was led at the plate by Colquitt, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored, and Huckabay, who went 2-for-4 with a run, Larue and Ferch each doubled for the Hoppers, and Larue had two runs batted in. 

     Five Bobcat batters each had a hit, including Brooks Balisterri, who picked up a double for Marion. 

     On the mound, Cole Isom (1-1) got the win, allowing one run on five hits, striking out six and walking two in seven innings. Trevor Blocker earned his first save of the season, retiring all six batters he faced in two innings.

     McDonald (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs (one earned) on seven hits, striking out four and walking three in six innings. Drew Shoulders closed out the game for Marion, allowing two hits, striking out two and walking one in two innings.