Paducah Chiefs fell behind early and couldn't come back in an 8-2 loss to Hoptown Hoppers on Thursday. Hoptown Hoppers took the lead on a single in the first inning.

The Paducah Chiefs struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Hoptown Hoppers, giving up eight runs.

Hoptown Hoppers fired up the offense in the first inning. Jojo Cruz drove in one when Cruz singled.

Hoptown Hoppers scored three runs in the ninth inning. Hoptown Hoppers offense in the inning was led by Jake Parr, Cruz, and Zayd Brannigan, all knocking in runs in the inning.

Tyler McLaren was the winning pitcher for Hoptown Hoppers. McLaren surrendered two runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Bracken Rice and Garrett Sagro entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.

Brycen Parrish took the loss for Paducah Chiefs. The righty went four innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out four and walking one.

Riley Hawthorne went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Paducah Chiefs in hits. Paducah Chiefs was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Cade Rogers had the most chances in the field with eight.

Hoptown Hoppers collected ten hits. Alex Gonzales, Tanner Holliman, and Cruz all collected multiple hits for Hoptown Hoppers.

Umpires: Danny Walker, James Purnell