Copperheads Wrap Up Home Series

Read Time:2 Minute, 52 Second

The Southern Ohio Copperheads’ final home series was met with challenges and rainclouds. Due to rain, Saturday’s game was delayed until Sunday. In addition, storms caused Sunday’s game to be moved to Thursday. Nonetheless, the interns for the Copperheads put on a show for the fans despite the conditions.

The Southern Ohio Copperheads participate in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate Baseball League and are operated exclusively by college interns primarily from Ohio University. Some of their creative decisions include introducing the opposing to the Imperial March from Star Wars and encouraging fans to “Moo” at the visitors. The interns were active during the game. During the first half inning, they had a seat upgrade raffle, and during the next half, they had a game titled Kona Ice Musical Chairs.

Of all the events the interns have done this summer, a common favorite by many was the Home Run Derby. As the interns got a chance to participate with the players. Another favorite moment was the Hit-A-Thon. As an intern, Thatcher Smith stated his favorite moment was “being able to hang out and talk with players in the broadcast booth all day.”

Their final homestand came versus the Michigan Monarchs. On Friday, the Monarchs ran away in game one, taking a 13-1 victory. On Saturday, the Copperheads held a fireworks night sponsored by OUCU Financial. Of which the President threw out the first pitch. And despite the projected forecast, the fireworks were lit once the rain cleared after the game.

The stadium roared with Patchy the Pirate’s voice asking, “Are you Ready?” to kick off the game. Starting pitcher for the Cheads Ben Bates

took the mound as the Monarchs batted first. Bates popped out on the first batter, which was greeted by Wii Sports’ “You’re Out” soundbite. However, Bates made an error and hit the 2nd batter. A wild pitch advanced him to second, but he was stranded as the sides were struck out.

Then it was the Cheads’ turn. And they responded appropriately for the near sold-out crowd. While Haruti Endo popped out, they got a man on first, followed by a double. Both men scored after Derek Occhipinti hit a drive to center field. Up 2-0, the Cheads Brendan Willadsen drove in another run for a quick 3-0 lead.

In the second, the Monarchs were able to respond. A leadoff double put a man in scoring position. Michigan capitalized on with an extra single. The Copperheads also managed a double. However, they left Haruta Endo stranded.

The game was paused for rain in the third inning. And when play picked up on Sunday afternoon for Carnival Day, the Cheads were prepared. In the fourth, Chead Billy Adams drove in two more runs. However, this 5-1 lead marked the end of Athens’ offense. As the Monarchs took over. With a series of doubles and an error late in the game, the Monarchs came back to win 8-5.

This loss puts the Copperheads at 13-22 on the season. And while they are not last in the Southern Division, they have missed the playoffs for the 2025 GLSCL season. As for the Monarchs, they are still looking to clinch a playoff spot at 21-17.

About Post Author

Zachary Worstell

A Marietta College Student with three years of journalism experience writing for Marietta's Marcolian Online Newspaper. He was promoted to Editor in Chief of the Marcolian in 2023. A Pittsburgh native, he covers sports from the Pittsburgh region as well as Ohio and West Virginia.

zach102803@gmail.com

https://ngscsports.com/