(From Owensboro)  The Owensboro Oilers fell just short in Friday's Round 2, Game 1 match-up with the visiting Hopkinsville Hoppers. The Hoppers edge the Oilers by the final score 2 to 1, and take a one game lead in the best of three series.
    The game remained scoreless through five complete innings as Owensboro starter Taylor Grisham dueled with Hopkinsville starter Riley Sanderson.
    The Hoppers scored first with one run in the top of the 6th inning when Brad Sevenish singled with one out and Brandon Powell followed with an RBI double.
    The Oilers tied with a run in the bottom of the 7th inning. With one out, Matthew Johnson and Stone Osborne both reached on consecutive defensive errors that resulted in Johnson at third base and Osborne at first base. Cameron Wallace RBI singled to drive in Johnson.
    Hopkinsville reclaimed their lead in the top of the 9th inning. Seth Larue led off with a double. Gordie Carlson reached on a bunt, creating a first-and-third situation. The Oilers used an attempted squeeze bunt by Matt McGowan to put Larue out at the plate. Then Brandon Bogetto was hit by a pitch loading the bases. Carlson scored the go ahead run on a RBI fielders choice by Derek Ferch that could not quite become a double play. A fly out and two strike outs in the bottom of the 9th inning ended the game 2 to 1 in favor of Hopkinsville.
    Reliever Jake Bell was the Hoppers pitcher of record for the win. Owensboro starter Taylor Grisham completed the game, taking the loss, but giving maximum effort  for the home team.
    The whole game epitomized the best competitive aspects of summer baseball from both teams. If the first game is any indication, The Hoppers have a one game advantage in a series that is at least nine more hard-fought innings from being over.