Hoosac Bats Make Short Work Out of Drury

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ADAMS, Mass — The Hoosac Valley baseball team doesn't usually open the season with an April night game against rival Drury. The Hurricanes don't usually have outcomes like they did on Wednesday night either, but that didn't stop them from rolling to a 16-1 win in a game shortened to just five innings due to the mercy rule. 

Senior starter Mike Koperniak did his part from the mound for Hoosac, allowing just one run on three hits with 11 strikeouts and four walks to earn his first win of the year. Blue Devils' starter Robert Jutras had quite the opposite experience, however, allowing six runs in the first inning before being chased out of the game with one out to go in the second. By the time the second inning was over, the Hurricanes had a 9-0 lead. Drury didn't help itself by making 10 errors in the field. 

"Mike Koperniak was outstanding for us," Hoosac head coach Bob Rivard said. "He kept Drury off balance and was able to strike out 11 batters in just five innings." 

Senior Zach Brassard led the Hoosac offense by going 3 for 3 with five runs batted in and four runs scored. Classmate Jesse Larabee also had a good day, going 2 for 4 with three RBI. Sophomore Matt Braman finished with two hits and three runs scored.

Junior Ryan Ouimet (1 for 2) plated the only run for the Blue Devils, driving in teammate Alex Bush (1 for 2) with a base hit in the top of the fifth inning. 

"It was a terrible start to the season on the road versus our rival," Drury head coach Al Marceau said. "Our defense was the problem, evidenced by the 12 unearned runs we gave up. I thought we were tight right from the beginning and after a tough first, where anything that could go wrong did, we kind of lost all of our focus. Facing one of the best left-handers in the county certainly didn't help either.

"Hopefully we will warm up along with the weather." 

The 'Canes next host Mount Everett at 4 p.m. on Friday, while the Blue Devils play against Wahconah in the Monument Mountain tournament at 11 a.m. on Saturday. 



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