(From Dubois County) The Hopkinsville Hoppers took their 6-0 record to League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana last night to match up with the second-place Dubois County Bombers. It was tight and tense for eight innings, but the hard-hitting Hoppers rallied for a five-run ninth to secure a 6-1 victory.

The Hoppers' Seth Oliver and the Bombers' Caleb Wagner matched up in a pitching duel for six innings. Wagner held Hopkinsville to a single unearned run on five hits and one walk over the first six frames. Oliver was even more dominant, only allowing the Bombers one hit and one walk in 5 2/3 innings pitched.

The Hoppers took the early lead when Chase Schmittou reached on an error in the first. Matt Crowder followed with a single, and Hunter Holland drove a shot to the outfield and scored Schmittou. Crowder was called out at the plate when he also tried to score. 

The 1-0 Hopper advantage remained until the Bomber sixth inning. When Oliver issued his first walk of the night with two down , Hoppers skipper Trey Porras pulled him in favor of Austin Hearn. Dubois County's Zack Gray lashed a double that allowed the fleet Connor Echols to score all the way from first base. 

With the contest knotted and both starting pitchers out, it was up to the bullpens to hold the line on this pitchers' night. Hearn remained on the hill for the Hoppers for the final 3 1/3 innings while Dubois County replied with a series of four relievers.

Hopkinsville threatened in the seventh when Bomber reliever Fabian Reyes walked the first two batters. Connor Moroder pitched the Bombers out of the threat. After a successful sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position, Moroder coaxed leadoff hitter Allante Wingate into a double play. Bomber shortstop Michael Rodriguez made the defensive gem of the night, tagging a baserunner and throwing to first to retire the better.

After a scoreless eighth, it looked like the game was in danger of going extra innings. But the Hopper bats came alive in the ninth. Three different Hoppers came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. All three (Schmitou, Daniel Lewis, and Hunter Holland) responded with base hits to drive in a total of five runs.

Hearn gets credit for the victory; Raunel Perez is charged with the loss. It is the first decision of the season for both pitchers.

Schmittou, Crowder, Andrew Gross, and Holland each had a pair of hits for the Hoppers. Gray had two of the Bombers three hits.

Hopkinsville goes to 7-0. They now have a two game lead over the second-place Bombers. Dubois County falls to 5-2, and holds onto sole possession of second place.

Hopkinsville travels to Owensboro tonight, while the Bombers will remain home to welcome Fulton.