Both pitching staffs had their hands full on Thursday in a high-scoring affair where Fulton Railroaders bested Hoptown Hoppers, 12-9.

Hoptown Hoppers took an early lead in the second inning. Ronald Brown hit a solo homer.

After Hoptown Hoppers scored three runs in the top of the seventh, Fulton Railroaders answered with three of their own. Hoptown Hoppers scored when Joshua Rodriguez homered on a 2-1 count, scoring three runs. Fulton Railroaders then answered when Brooks Cooner homered on a 1-1 count, scoring two runs and Ryan Callahan drew a walk, scoring one run.

Fulton Railroaders took the lead for good with four runs in the third inning. In the third Callahan homered on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs.

Fulton Railroaders scored four runs in the fifth inning. Garner Anderson, Jacob Cekander, and Ryan Lee each had RBIs in the big inning.

CJ Lofton earned the win for Fulton Railroaders. The hurler allowed five hits and six runs over six and two-thirds innings, striking out eight and walking one. Blake Loper and Sam Cooper entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Cooper recorded the last three outs to earn the save for Fulton Railroaders.

Garrett Blevins took the loss for Hoptown Hoppers. The righty went five innings, allowing nine runs on 12 hits and striking out five.

Fulton Railroaders hit two home runs on the day. Callahan went deep in the third inning. Cooner had a homer in the seventh inning.

Fulton Railroaders tallied 14 hits on the day. Brady Holloway, Callahan, and Braxton Baird all managed multiple hits for Fulton Railroaders. Holloway led Fulton Railroaders with three hits in five at-bats.

Hoptown Hoppers totaled ten hits. Rodriguez and Sean Sullivan each managed multiple hits for Hoptown Hoppers. Rodriguez went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead Hoptown Hoppers in hits. Hoptown Hoppers was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. William Spear made the most plays with 12.

Umpires:
Scott Matlock - HP
Jim Fields - Bases