Hopper Back, Belts Black Bears Past Pioneers

Published on June 27, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Berkshire Black Bears News Release


A riveting game under the lights at Wahconah on Friday saw the Black Bears go 2-0 on Win Jonathan Fleisig's Money nights, as they take Elmira 9-6.

A very important 3 game series between divisional opponents trying to catch New Jersey and the first one did not disappoint. Berkshire jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, but Elmira clawed back, scoring two in the fourth to close within one and then with the bases loaded in the fifth, Scott Hunter smashed the first pitch he saw down the left-field line for a Grand Slam, putting the Pioneers on top 6-3.

Then Shane Hopper decided to take over. The Black Bears' centerfielder, who missed the past two games with a bruised left ankle, knocked a single into right and scored in bottom of the 5th. The wounded outfielder would just be getting started. After back to back singles by Forbes and Jones to lead off the 7th, Hopper destroyed a 2-1 pitch over the left field wall, into the trees behind the outfield fence, regaining the lead for Berkshire. Not to be out done, Ryan Jones would crank a 2-run stand-up triple in the bottom of the 8th to make it 9-6, your final score as all nine Black Bear hitters contributed to the 17 hit total.

Doug Dimma (1-2) got his first win throwing two scoreless innings in relief of starter Tony Harden. Elmira starter Brian Edmondson (4-2) got the defeat, and Matt Bailie recorded his fifth save of the season, hurling a scoreless ninth. With the win the Black Bears close once again to one game under .500 at 17-18, while Elmira drops to 17-15.

Game 2 of the pivotal weekend series pits Berkshire ace Rick Guttormson (3-3) vs Dan Head (1-3) Saturday night at Wahconah Park, 7:05 pm first pitch.

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Canadian American League Stories from June 27, 2003


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