Former Copperhead Adam Russell traded to San Diego

The first and only Copperhead to make the Major Leagues is heading to a different organization. Adam Russell, a sixth-round pick of the Chicago White Sox and a member of the White Sox's playoff roster in 2008, is one of four pitchers heading to San Diego for Jake Peavy, the Padres' ace right-hander.

Russell, a 2002 member of Southern Ohio, appeared in 22 games for Chicago in 2008, amassing a 5.19 ERA in 26 innings. In 2009, the right-hander from North Olmsted, Ohio, has a 2-2 record with a 3.20 ERA for Triple-A Charlotte. He has five saves in 34 relief appearances.

Russell is on the Padres' 40-man roster, but he is not on their major league squad, according to the roster page at padres.com.

Adam Wamsley added to the roster

Southern Ohio announced Thursday that Adam Wamsley, a soon-to-be sophomore at Shawnee State University, will join the club. Matthew Robertson (P-Morehead State University) is out for the season with an elbow injury, so Wamsley's addition was legal and accepted by the GLSCL and Commissioner Kim Lance.

Wamsley went 1-3 with a 4.72 ERA for SSU in 2009. The right-hander worked 26 and two-thirds innings, striking out 21 and walking 10. He also amassed eight saves. Pitching coach Chris Moore (Wamsley's pitching coach at Shawnee State) recommended him after Robertson went down. 

Wamsley was also a shortstop and appeared in 51 games, hitting .259. But his purpose in Athens will be to contribute out of a slightly depleted bullpen.

A few other notes:

• The game with Stark County postponed today will be played Monday at Walsh University if the Terriers are still in the playoff hunt. If Stark County sweeps both games of two twin bills this weekend (at Xenia, vs. Hamilton), then they would still be in it. Then, they would play Licking County and Southern Ohio Monday in two, nine-inning single games.
• Seeing as though the Terriers would need to win four games in two days, when they have won only nine in 47 days, it isn't likely that the Snakes will have to make the three-hour trek back to North Canton. But you never know.
• The rotation will be set based on the result of Hamilton's game with Grand Lake. It was played tonight, and there has been no word as to the result of that game. Both teams do not have internet broadcasts or twitter accounts. Thus, the league website (greatlakesleague.org) will have the score up before anyone else.
• If the Mariners win, then the Copperheads are in the playoffs, and they will probably save guys such as Cameron Hobson and David Starn for the playoffs. If Hamilton is still able to catch the Snakes, then one of those guys (probably Hobson) will go Saturday to try to sew up that playoff spot.
• Six games have been postponed or canceled due to rain this season.
• Make sure to visit the audio page of copperheadbaseball.com as we approach the playoffs. We will have pregame interviews with players and coaches uploaded to the site prior to each playoff game. 
• Plus, check the site Monday night for a special preview of the GLSCL tournament. I will talk with some players, coaches and broadcasters from all six of the playoff teams. More details will come on this in the coming days.

The team is off tomorrow before heading to Hamilton to take on the Joes. I'll have the call beginning at 3:50 p.m. on copperheadbaseball.com. Keep e-mailing me as well (copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com). 

- Brian

Tournament Math

Gritty effort by the Copperheads tonight against Xenia. Because of it, Southern Ohio now owns a magic number of two. Here is the breakdown:

The Copperheads sit at 15-15. Both Hamilton and Lake Erie are 11-19. Both teams could still win out and go 17-19, which means that two wins by the Copperheads would give them a playoff berth. 

An interesting thing would happen if, somehow, the Copperheads and one of these two teams finished with the same number of wins, which, as you can see, is highly unlikely. The Copperheads would have one game to play (that rainout with Anderson), but the Servants are done with their season Thursday. I would assume that the team will be leaving the Anderson area by Friday, which means that they would not be a team for a possible Monday make-up. As a result, the magic number is two.

If Hamilton loses at home Wednesday (single vs. Lima) and Lake Erie drops at least one to Xenia in a doubleheader Wednesday, then Southern Ohio would be playing Thursday with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. 

As for the sixth spot, Xenia leads the way by just a game over the Joes and the Monarchs. Stark County is still lingering three games back. Anderson is the only team without a chance at the playoffs.

Lima's magic number for the regular season title is two with five games to play. Grand Lake's magic number for the two seed is one. Cincinnati has a 1.5 game lead on Licking County for the third seed.

We will keep you posted as we move toward the league tournament, which begins Tuesday at the site of tonight's Copperheads win--Xenia.

The stretch run

We have reached the final week of the season. The Copperheads sit at 14-13. Here are some tidbits prior to a double dip with the defending champs, the Cincinnati Steam, Monday:

• Greg Frederick will start game one against Cincinnati. Game two's starter has yet to be determined.
• Mike Florak was ejected in the seventh inning of game two. One ejection does not yield a penalty or a suspension from the league. If he is ejected again, he will be suspended for the next game.
• The Copperheads are now four games up on Lake Erie, the 7th place team, and two-and-a-half games up on 6th place Xenia. The magic number to clinch a playoff spot is five.
• This means that any combination of Copperheads' wins and Monarchs' losses that adds to five gives the Snakes their fourth ever playoff appearance.
• Southern Ohio is 2-10 against the top four teams in the league and 12-3 against the bottom five teams. Shockingly, the Copperheads find themselves nestled in 5th place.
• The Copperheads only mustered nine hits in the two games today, but they walked 11 times. The problem was getting guys in, which the Copperheads only did two times.
• The GLSCL playoff schedule was announced yesterday. It will follow the traditional NCAA six-team, double-elimination format. What is important right away is the Copperheads' first game. All six teams will play on the tournament's first day, Tuesday, Aug. 4. The #1 and #6 seeds will play at 12:00 p.m. The #2 and #5 seeds will follow at 3:30 p.m. Finally, the #3 and #4 seeds will round out the day with a 7:00 p.m. start.
• The games will be streamed online at copperheadbaseball.com. Radio information will be ironed out over the next week, and I will keep you updated.

We take the air at 3:50 p.m. for a 4:05 start at Western Hills High School. Tune in on copperheadbaseball.com. E-mail us at copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com. 

- Brian

Copperheads vs. Mariners--Game 2

• Andy Carter on the hill to start things off. Grand Lake took game one 3-1.
• 7:59...Jeff Holm goes yard to right field with a solo shot putting the Snakes up 1-0.
• 8:01...Jared Hoying triples that's his second of the day. Two down but Carter gets Gabe DeMarco down on strikes.
• 8:10...Copperheads have nothing going in the bottom of the first Brent McNeil cruises and the Snakes are still down one.
• 8:20...Copperheads fail to tack anything on in the bottom of the second. Jake Plata is caught stealing.
• 8:30...Davis guns down Lambert who is caught stealing second. Still 1-0 Mariners.
• 8:39...RBI single for Yakubik ties the ball game at one after three frames.
• 8:51...Carter gets Host out looking 1-1 headed into the bottom of the 4th.
• 9:06...Pat Glass makes a huge diving catch in center field he's okay but coach Mike Florak takes him out of the game hoping he's not injured too bad.
• 9:15...Sam Slavik comes in to pitch for the Mariners in the fifth inning. He walked Zach Thoma but got out of the inning with no damage done.
• 9:21...Andy Carter settles down and gets Southern Ohio through the top of the sixth without a hitch.
• 9:31...Nothing going in the bottom half of the inning but Andy Carter is out for the top of the seventh inning.
• 9:36...Some lightning in the area suspends play at Bob Wren Stadium. We'll keep you posted on the game.
• 11:34...Here we go players and umpires and coaches all back on the field. We're minutes away from the game resuming.
• 11:44...Zach Botjer on the hill replacing Carter sends the first batter down looking.
• 11:49...Mike Florak is thrown out of the game after arguing a stealing call.
• 11:57...Copperheads are sent down in order in the bottom of the seventh.
• 12:01...Coach Florak joins me up in the press box after his night has ended...Botjer still on for the 8th inning.
• 12:04...Botjer's day is done and Branon Belair the left-hander is on to pitch the rest of the 8th and maybe more.
• 12:14...Sacrifice Fly by Early then a home run by Jared Hoying 4-1 Grand Lake.
• 12:24...May strikes out after the bases are loaded with two outs to end the inning.
• 12:32...Feldheiser in for Grand Lake to try and secure his second save of the day. Jake Plata up trying to rally the Snakes.
  

Copperheads vs Mariners - Game 1

After one doubleheader was postponed this weekend, Southern Ohio is ready to get one underway today as they welcome in the Grand Lake Mariners. These two split the first doubleheader between the teams almost a month ago. Today, the Copperheads look to keep momentum going after defeating Stark County 4-3 on Friday.

• 5:42 - David Starn strikes out the side to begin the game. It could be a solid day for the Snakes if this is a sign of things to come.
• 5:54 - The Snakes leave two stranded as Mariners pitcher Cal Bowling gets out of a first inning jam.
• 6:00 - Grand Lakes knocks the first hit of the game but Starn holds strong as no damage is done.
• 6:06 - The Copperheads respond with a hit of their own but it does not convert to runs. Game is scoreless through two.
• 6:15 - Little action in the top of the third as Starn continues to be strong in the early going.
• 6:28 - Jeff May knocks an RBI single before the third out is caught at second. It's 1-0 Copperheads heading into the fourth.
• 6:37 - Grand Lake answers as a run comes in off a fielding error by Trent Moses. Jerod Yakubik makes a great diving catch in left and a great throw to the plate to prevent the runner from scoring at third. Starn works out of the inning with the score tied, 1-1.
• 6:43 - Southern Ohio is unable to answer in the bottom of the fourth as the score remains knotted at one.
• 6:51 - Jared Hoying smacks an RBI triple to the right field wall and Matt Hill sends an RBI single up through center as the Mariners take the lead, 3-1.
• 6:59 - A quick bottom of the fifth is in the books as the Snakes do no damage and still trail by two.
• 7:03 - Starn rebounds in fine style to set the Mariners down in order in the sixth.
• 7:10 - The Copperheads are unable to close the gap in the bottom of the sixth. One inning left to try and steal the victory.
• 7:15 - Andy Onak comes in for some relief work and holds Grand Lake scoreless in the final inning.
• 7:26 - The tying run, Sam Mahoney, reaches with one out, but reliever Jamie Feldheiser ends the game before the Copperheads can take advantage. Game one goes to the Mariners.

With the loss, Southern Ohio falls to 14-12 on the year. Game two of tonight's doubleheader will begin in approximately 30 minutes. Brad will bring you the updates here, but you can also listen to the up-to-the-minute action on Power 105.

-Justin S.

Copperheads vs. Terriers

Tonight, Stark County & Southern Ohio will play the make-up game from Wednesday night's rain out. The Copperheads look to get back on track after losing to Licking County 5-4 on Thursday.

• 7:43 - Trent Moses commits an error at third, but no damage is done as Dave Jensen works a solid first inning.
• 7:50 - Jerod Yakubik knocks the first two inning, but is left stranded and the game is scoreless through one.
• 7:55 - Terriers go down in order in a quick second for Jensen.
• 8:02 - Jake Plata drives a two-run shot over the right field wall to make it 2-0. The next three go hitters go in order, but Southern Ohio has drawn first blood.
• 8:12 - Kevin Haas answers in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single to left. Jensen gets out of the inning after giving up only one run, but his control is starting to look shaky.
• 8:18 - The first two batters reach, but Jeff May hits into an inning ending double lead. The Copperheads' lead remains at 1.
• 8:24 - Jensen holds strong and works another scoreless inning. Southern Ohio leads 2-1.
• 8:30 - The Copperheads go down in order. The offense has otherwise been solid, totaling seven hits so far on the night.
• 8:35 - Jensen works yet another scoreless inning, giving up only three hits in the game thus far.
• 8:40 - The quick innings keep coming as the Snakes go down quickly in the fifth.
• 8:46 - After a great double play by Chad Geier, the Green & Gold sit the Terriers down in order.
• 8:55 - Jeff May gets a sacrifice RBI single to tack another run to the Copperheads' slim lead. The teams head into the seventh with Southern Ohio up 3-1.
• 9:10 - New pitcher Greg Frederick closes out the seventh inning as Stark County fails to cut into the lead.
• 9:18 - The Green & Gold go quietly in the seventh, score remains 3-1.
• 9:34 - A bang-bang play that goes Stark County's way brings Florak storming out of the dugout. After he's said his peace, Frederick is pulled for closer Jordan Langley. Stark County is able to tie the game with two more RBI before Langley records all three outs.
• 9:50 - Brian Hiscox comes in to pinch hit with an RBI single, putting the Green & Gold back on top 4-3. New pitcher JD Osborne records the final out of the eighth. Southern Ohio can close out the game here if they can hold on to their slim lead.
• 9:56 - Langley closes the game out in fine style as the side is retired in order. The Copperheads take this game by a final of 4-3.

The Copperheads improve to 14-11 in this campaign while Stark County falls to 9-19. Southern Ohio travels to Cincinnati tomorrow for a double header with the steam before returning to Bob Wren for another two contests on Sunday against the Great Lake Mariners. First pitch tomorrow is set for 5:35 p.m. Tune in to Power 105 to hear Brian and Allie call all the action.

-Justin S.

No shirt, no shoes, no 6.46

After some friendly debate among the three coaches, assistant Tim Culver finally tried to prove what he had been claiming all along--that he had run a 6.46 60-yard dash and that he could still keep his time below 7 seconds. Pitching coach Chris Moore was at the forefront of Culver's opposition and predicted no better than a 7.4 posting from the first-year coach.

After the frustrating 5-4 loss last night, the coaches decided that it was time to settle the issue. To prep for the run, Culver took off his shirt and even his shoes (an interesting decision). Unfortunately for the California native, the three sprints yielded times upwards of 7.6.

"I saw him run five, maybe even four, steps," Moore said. "And I knew he couldn't run a 7."

After the less-than-stellar performance from Culver, the former speedster announced his intent to train for a week and improve his time. We will make sure to keep you posted of his journey.

To quench your Copperheads' thirst before another exhilarating run from Culver, here are some news and notes on the Copperheads:

• Southern Ohio was swept in the season series against Licking County. The Copperheads were swept by one team last year as well (Lima). The only other team the Copperheads have yet to defeat this season is Cincinnati, the squad that the Green and Gold will see Saturday.
• Speaking of Saturday, the Copperheads will send Andy Carter and David Starn out against the Steam in the twin bill. Dave Jensen, the league leader with a 0.00 ERA and a .109 opponents batting average, will toe the rubber tonight against Stark County.
• No word on the status of Tyler Gatrell's availability for this weekend, but after last night's performance, the Copperheads would surely love to have the right-handed junior.
• Ryan Burnett continues to miss time, as he now has an infection on his left knee. His return to the lineup is unknown, but Pat Glass is taking advantage. The freshman is hitting .278 (5-for-18) after a tough start to the season. 
• The Copperheads lost for the first time last night when leading after seven innings. 
• Until last night, Southern Ohio had outscored opponents 30-15 from the eighth inning on.
• The Copperheads are proud to announce that last night's attendance was 1,209, the highest total in team history. That is the third time that the Copperheads have drawn at least 1,000 people to a game, with two of the occasions coming this season.
• My broadcast partner Allie LaForce will sing the National Anthem before tonight's game against Stark County.

Coverage starts on Power 105 at 7:15 p.m. E-mail us at copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com.

- Brian

Copperheads Clash with Licking County

The Southern Ohio Copperheads clash tonight with Licking County Settlers.

7:55...Bottom of the second, scoreless and hitless here in Southern Ohio.

7:59...The Copperheads add one run to go up 1-0 in the bottom of the second on a sac fly by Jeff May.

8:01...One out double for Jake Plata. Runners on second and third for the Copperheads.

8:05...Trimbur walks Brian Hiscox to load the bases. One out. Pat Glass at the plate.

8:06...Glass walks and a run scores...However, Geier grounds into a double play ending the inning.

8:14...Yakubik leads off the inning with a solo-home run putting Southern Ohio up 3-0.

8:21...Hobson on for the top of the 4th holding a 3-0 lead.

8:25...Hobson in a little bit of a jam. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with only one down.

8:29...He gets out of the jam not allowing any runs and the Snakes still lead 3-0.

8:38...Glass lines out to end the inning, but one run crossed the plate for the Copperheads who now lead...4-0.

8:43...Davis leads off with a double for Licking County and Hobson hits the next batter runners on 1st and 2nd. No outs.

8:49...Out of the jam again. Andy Podolinski in for the Settlers.

8:55...Copperheads are retired but they still lead 4-0 after five innings.

9:23...Copperheads still up 4-0. Rob Moffat in for the Copperheads.

9:29...Brandon Belair in for Moffat. Coming in to face the lefty Seritella.

9:42...Belair in a pinch giving up three runs with two outs and Licking County is now within one run at 4-3.

9:47...An error by Jerod Yakubik gets two runs in and Licking County leads 5-4.

10:06...Fear strikes out looking. Copperheads had two men on base looking to take the lead but couldn't close the deal.

10:14...Good top of the ninth for Langley Copperheads down one with Trace Fowler up.

Tonight's game postponed

No word on a make-up date, but both this Friday (7/24) and next Friday (7/31) are mutual off days between the Copperheads and the Terriers. I will keep you updated on the progress toward a make-up date. Southern Ohio will take on Licking County tomorrow. Allie LaForce and I will kick off coverage on Power 105 at 7:15 p.m. for the Settlers and the Snakes. 

UPDATE (9:15 p.m.): The game will be played Friday, July 24th at Bob Wren Stadium. Information is available at copperheadbaseball.com.

- Brian

Hanging (and Bowling) with the Snakes

When I was young, all I wanted to do was be a baseball player. I was convinced that I was going to do it. No problem.

Then reality set in, and I was done with my dreams. But today, I could have gone toe-to-toe with the Copperheads...at the bowling alley. 

Today was the first ever "Hang out with the Heads." Around 20 local kids had a chance to bowl, watch a movie with and talk to some of the Copperheads. 

My bowling career was much more successful than my baseball career, and I even won the Cleveland Plain Dealer Bowler of the Year (and I can prove it), which by the way was a complete and utter fluke. I had one really good series, and that was the series that determined the award winner. I didn't even know about it, so I can't claim that I am "clutch." 

But I had the chance today to take on the Copperheads on the bowling alley. However, I couldn't make it. Now I will sulk in all of my bowling and baseball fame (which is about as humbling as a strikeout swinging) and give you some news and notes on the Copperheads:

• The Copperheads and Servants are in talks about a make-up date for the rainout July 11. No date has been selected, and there still is no guarantee that it will be made up. However, an effort is being made by Southern Ohio.
• Interesting to note: Southern Ohio has the fewest strikeouts (131, or 5.7 per game) and double plays (3) offensively in the league. For a team that was hitting .197 through 16 games, that is pretty surprising (and impressive).
• The one concerning stat pitching wise is the team's 105 walks. Almost five walks per game cannot sit well with the coaching staff, even if the pitchers have been great.
• Jordan Langley leads the league with seven saves (I know the stats say six, but he should have received a save in the June 18 win against Stark County and has not yet--it will be changed). He has 18 Ks in 13 innings. When he comes in, opponents look silly. 
• Langley is such a contrast from Chuck Boring, the Copperheads' closer in '07 and '08. Boring was the least boring closer out there, as he made things interesting during seemingly every ninth inning. Langley is fun to watch in a different (and less stressful) way.
• Dave Jensen leads the league with a 0.00 ERA and a .107 opponents batting average. Jensen has walked nine, but he has been able to navigate his way out of trouble and only allow one run (unearned) in 17 and two thirds innings.
• Special thanks to Aaron Rieck for adjusting our website to accommodate for this blog, the audio page and the twitter. Everything can be accessed on the left side of the homepage (copperheadbaseball.com) because of Mr. Rieck's handiwork. 

We will take the air Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. for a first pitch at about 7:30 p.m. As always, e-mail your thoughts to copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com. 

- Brian

Six straight for the Snakes

Southern Ohio is rolling. The Copperheads have won six in a row and are one win away from a weekend sweep of the Lake Erie Monarchs.

Here are some tidbits from the Super 8 in Adrian, Mich.:

• Tomorrow's game will now begin at 12 p.m., which is an hour earlier than the original start time.
• The Copperheads scored 47 runs in their first 16 games, which was good for 2.9 runs per game. In the last six games, the Snakes have scored the same number of runs. That's good for 7.8 runs per contest.
• Southern Ohio's pitching staff now has a 3.05 ERA. Two pitchers, and David's (Jensen and Starn) have yet to allow a run. Starn has worked 18 innings, Jensen 17 and two-thirds.
• The Copperheads produced a pair of errorless performances after committing four defensive miscues Friday night.
• With the two wins Saturday, the Copperheads have eclipsed their road win total from 2008. Southern Ohio went 6-14 last year away from Bob Wren Stadium, but the squad is 7-4 this year away from home.
• Seth Bynum, a former Copperhead, played in the Triple-A All-Star game Wednesday night. He is a Syracuse Chief in the Washington Nationals' organization. The second baseman went 1-for-4 with a run scored in the International League's 6-5 win over the Pacific Coast League.
• I had a chance to share two interviews with pitcher Cameron Hobson and third baseman Trent Moses on the Sears Sports Fan, a weeknight talk show in Athens. You can go to thesportsfan.mypodcast.com and download the episode, which aired Thursday.

Allie LaForce and I are ready to bring you a sweep chance for the Green and Gold Sunday at high noon. Tune in beginning at 11:45 a.m. on copperheadbaseball.com. E-mail into the broadcast at copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com.

- Brian

A Wacky Weekend at the Wren

It may have been wacky, but it worked for the Copperheads against Anderson. The offense woke up, and the pitching staff dominated after the third inning of game one.

Here are some notes from the Snakes' weekend sweep of the Servants:

• From the fourth inning of game one on, the Copperheads outscored Anderson 27-1 and outhit Anderson 36-11.
• Now, Southern Ohio is averaging 3.9 runs per game. Coming into the weekend, the Copperheads were averaging 2.9 runs per contest.
• The three-game winning streak is the longest of the season for Southern Ohio and the team's longest winning streak since the squad won seven in a row from July 19-24, 2008. This is the first point all season that the Copperheads are above the break-even point.
• The Servants and Copperheads still have one more game that should be played this season. No date has been announced. The only days down the stretch that both teams have off are July 20, July 29, and July 31. 
• The Copperheads' players have been given the four-day all-star break off. 
• Assistant Tim Culver will represent the Copperheads as a coach in Cincinnati at the All-Star Game Wednesday. A broadcast of that game will be available at greatlakesleague.org.

Since this blog did not make it to an all-star game, it will be given the three-day break off as well. The Copperheads return to action this weekend at Lake Erie, which is located in Adrian, Mich. Friday's series-opener begins at 7:00 p.m. Allie LaForce and I will greet you at 6:45 p.m. exclusively on copperheadbaseball.com. 

As always, you can e-mail into the broadcast at copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com. 

- Brian

Servants vs. Copperheads

5:28...First Pitch from Andy Carter. One walk and one hit but no runs.

5:43...Trent Moses a two-out RBI single that scored Jerod Yakubik. 1-0 Copperheads.

5:45...Jeff May sends home Moses with an RBI double to right field. Southern Ohio has the bats rolling up 2-0.

5:51...Sam Mahoney a 3-run shot over the right field fence and Southern Ohio leads 6-0.

6:07...Carter gives up one run in the top of the second on an interference call but still leads 6-1.

6:19...Carter rolls through the top of the third. 6-1.

6:39... A little mixup. Trent Moses grounded into a 4-3 which was the second out of the inning. However, the umpires thought it was out number 3. A little mixup, I had to go down on the field to straighten things up with the umpires. Southern Ohio adds two runs in the bottom of the third and now leads 8-1.

6:48...Carter again rolls through the top of the 4th. 8-1 Copperheads.

7:06...Matthew Robertson comes in to relieve Carter and sends them down in order.

7:19...Copperheads on second and third with Chad Geier at the plate.

7:26...Southern Ohio adds a run in the 5th. 10-1.

7:47... Scoreless bottom of the 6th for Southern Ohio. Matthew Robertson still on the hill going into the 7th inning.

8:00...Copperheads have bases loaded after a Jerod Yakubik walk. No Outs.

8:02...Thoma comes in to pinch hit and grounds into a double play but one run scores. 11-1.

8:05..Trent Moses an RBI single puts Southern Ohio up 12-1.

8:18...Robertson cruises through the top of the 8th. Bottom 8 with Copperheads up 12-1.

8:22...Newly signed Trace Fowler doubles with two outs.

8:24...Fowler scores to add another run 13-1 Copperheads.

8:28...Robertson on to finish the game.

Copperheads vs. Servants - Game One

Well, after some stormy weathered postponed yesterday's doubleheader, we're ready to pick things back up today. David Starn is on the mound for Southern Ohio as Joey Gradney will go for Anderson.

• 2:42 - Starn beans the first batter but is saved by a fine double play. He fans the third batter as Anderson goes down 1-2-3 to start the game.
• 2:51 - Taylor Davis knocks a single for the first hit of the game, but no damage is done as Trent Moses flies out to end the first.
• 3:00 - Another solid inning by Starn as the Servants once again go down in order.
• 3:11 - Marrero is caught in a rundown for out number one. Jeff May hits an RBI single to left and the Copperheads draw first blood. Inning ends with Southern Ohio carrying a 1-0 lead.
• 3: 16 - Quick inning as Starn keeps the Servants scoreless and hitless through the first three.
• 3:26 - Geier and Yakubik both reach to start the inning. The bases are left loaded though, as the next three batters go down. Copperheads lead remains 1-0.
• 3:35 - Starn gives up the first couple hits of the ballgame, but keeps the goose egg as Anderson leaves two stranded.
• 3:48 - The Snakes bring in another run to push their lead to 2-0 after four innings.
• 3:55 - Starn continues his strong outing as Southern Ohio once again holds the Servants scoreless.
• 4:03 - A slow inning for the offense in a game where it has otherwise been steady throughout. Southern Ohio does no damage but maintain a 2-0 lead with two innings left.
• 4:13 - Another easy-going inning on an easy-going afternoon at the park. Nothing too fancy needed as the Green & Gold continues to keep Anderson in check.
• 4:28 - Josh Johnson now in to pitch for the Servants. Jeff May knocks a single for the Snakes' eighth hit of the game. New face Trace Fowler walks in his first AB of the season. Geier knocks a single into left as May is thrown out at home. Yakubik continues his hot streak with a two-run triple to deep center. Davis adds to that lead with an RBI double to left. Moses goes down to end the inning. Southern Ohio now takes a 5-0 lead into the final frame.
• 4:35 - Starn finishes the complete game shutout of Anderson, holding them to only four hits on the day. The Copperheads take game one 5-0.

The Green & Gold have taken the first two against the Servants, reaching the .500 mark yet again at 9-9. They now look to complete the sweep and go above .500 for the first time this year. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. Brad Zahar will bring the blog updates while Brian Boesch and Allie Laforce will call all the action on Power 105.

-Justin S.

GAME POSTPONED

Southern Ohio and Anderson will not play today (Saturday). There will be a doubleheader tomorrow, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The field was simply too wet after a solid batch of rain passed through Athens. 

Tune in tomorrow at 2:15 p.m. for the pregame show on Power 105 and online at copperheadbaseball.com.

- Brian

Rain Delay and Notes on the Comeback Win

The Copperheads and Servants will play one game today (Saturday) at approximately 7:30 p.m. Steady rain has passed through Southeastern Ohio, so the field has been taking a steady beating. Sunday will now be a doubleheader at a time to be announced. 

Time will tell on the status of tonight's game. It is still raining as I type, but with a lot of parents in town and this being Anderson's only trip to Athens, they are going to try to get at least one game in tonight. Keep track of the situation here on the Copperheads' blog and at Twitter.com/GoCopperheads.

As for last night's thrilling 9-8 victory, here are some stats:

• Southern Ohio is now 6-2 on the season in one-run games and 2-1 in extra inning affairs.
• For the Copperheads, it was their first win in six tries when trailing after seven innings.
• The Copperheads averaged 2.9 runs per game coming into the game and responded with their highest run and hit (12) total of the season.
• The Snakes had only one home run before yesterday, and they hit three. 
• The attendance came in at 1,119, the highest total in the eight-year history of this organization.

The rewind from the game is available at the Copperheads' podcast (available HERE), playing over the popular song "Don't Stop Believing." Also on the podcast are interviews with coach Mike Florak, Jerod Yakubik, Jeff May and Trent Moses. 

It was a fun night. Let's see if the Green and Gold can do it again.

- Brian 

Copperheads vs. Servants

7:37...Andy Onak delivers first pitch

7:56...Copperheads get two guys into scoring position (2nd and 3rd) but Brian Hiscox cannot deliver grounding out to short.

8:06...Top 2nd, Bases loaded with one out and Jimmy Roesinger at the plate and Onak walks home a run on four pitches.

8:11...Onak walks home another batter to make it 2-0. His day is done,

8:16...Nick Egan gives up a bases clearing triple to Tyler Langford to put Anderson up 6-0.

8:38...A two-run top of the second for Anderson puts the Servants up 8-0.

8:57...Copperheads trying to rally, two outs with Zach Thoma up.


9:07...Greg Frederick on to pitch the 5th inning down 8. Doesn't matter as he sends the Servants down 1-2-3 to close out the inning.

9:20...Servants leave two on base, but Moffat who came into pitch walked the 10th batter of the night. Copperheads still down 8-0.

9:36...Brannon Belair steps up and pitches a good seventh but walks the 11th batter of the game. The bats are still quiet for Southern Ohio as they've left 8 on base.

9:46...Travis Eggeman on for the Servants and Jerod Yakubik takes him out of the yard for Southern Ohio's 6th hit and a two-run shot. Nice work by the all-star.

10:05...Brian Hiscox leads off the inning with a double. Fear comes in to pinch hit for Plata and delivers an RBI single. 8-3 Anderson

10:17...Jerod Yakubik up with two out and the bases loaded.

10:19...He delivers a 2RBI single to put the Snakes to within 3 at 8-5.

10:25...Jordan Langley on to pitch the top of the 9th for Southern Ohio.

10:32...Error on the shortstop and Trent Moses is on first with Hiscox up.

10:35...Hiscox strikes out. One down. Moses on first. Marrero at the bat.

10:37...Two-run shot for Justin Marrero!!!! 8-7 Copperheads down only one.

10:41...Brad Schnepp on the mound and Jeff May an RBI double for Southern Ohio ties the ball game at 8.

10:50...May at 3rd nothing going. Extra frames. Jordan Langley rolls through the top of the 10th.

11:05...Trent Moses hits the walk-off winner!!! Copperheads come back from 8-0 to win 9-8!!!!

BREAKING: Four Copperhead All-Stars

IF/OF Jerod Yakubik (Jr., Ohio University), IF Trent Moses (So., Southeast Missouri State University), SP David Starn (Fr., Kent State University) and SP Cameron Hobson (Fr., University of Dayton) will be representing the Copperheads in the 2009 GLSCL All-Star Game, which will be played at Western Hills High School (the home of the Cincinnati Steam) Wednesday, July 15.

The process of selection is fairly simple. Each team in the top five of the standings receive four automatic choices, which are made by each team's coaching staff. The Copperheads, as of July 6, were in fifth place. The normal protocol is for a team to provide three position players and one pitcher, but with the Copperheads' offensive struggles, Commissioner Kim Lance made an exception for Southern Ohio.

The Snakes may have some more all-stars come next Wednesday. Each team is also required to supply six "alternates." From this pool of 60 players, 17 additional players will be selected to the team. Players like Jordan Langley and Dave Jensen are expected to be on the Copperheads' list of alternates, along with a few others.

Yakubik leads the team with a .308 batting average and nine RBIs. Moses is second on the team with a .292 average and four runs driven in. Starn has pitched 11 scoreless innings, striking out 12 batters. Hobson is just 1-3, but he sports a 2.57 ERA and has struck out 21 batters, which is tied for fourth in the league.

Last year, the Copperheads sent three players to Cincinnati for the festivities. A full release will be available on copperheadbaseball.com once the entire team has been named.

Steady as She Goes

0-0, 1-1, 2-2, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and now 7-7. The Copperheads cannot get away from mediocrity, but right now, in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, that will do the trick. The Copperheads sit in fifth place in the 10-team league, and six teams receive an invitation to the league tournament in Xenia. 

With a doubleheader against the Settlers of Licking County, here are some tidbits to chew on:

• The rotation for this week is as follows: Cameron Hobson and Dave Jensen tomorrow, Andy Onak Friday, Andy Carter and TBA Saturday and David Starn Sunday.
• Last season, the Copperheads experienced a seven-game winning streak to go along with six- and seven-game losing skids. This year? Seven visits with good ol' .500, and no streak either way longer than two games.
• The Snakes exceeded the 10-hit mark for the first time this season in the 4-3 win Sunday night against Xenia. For the year, Southern Ohio is averaging only 6.5 hits per game.
• With yet another one-run game (and win) against Xenia, the Copperheads have taken seven of their last eight against the Scouts, dating back to 2007. Seven of those games have been decided by one run, and the other one went into the 11th inning, with Southern Ohio taking it 6-3.
• The WXTQ stream that was not working last night is now functioning properly, so future broadcasts on Power 105 should be set to go. The Copperheads apologize for the inconvenience during Sunday's game.
• Pictures taken at home games are being added to our Flickr account, which can be accessed by clicking HERE.

The Copperheads and Licking County Settlers (10-6, 3rd place) will battle in a doubleheader Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. I will take the air at 3:45 p.m. and take you through the afternoon and evening on copperheadbaseball.com. Highlights and interviews, as always, are available at copperheads.mypodcast.com. 

E-mail into the broadcast: copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com. I will talk to you Tuesday afternoon.

- Brian

Copperheads vs. Scouts

7:00...here we are on a beautiful evening at Bob Wren Stadium for the Copperheads v. Scouts. I'm excited as Xenia is looking to improve their 7-11 standing while Southern Ohio looks to edge to the .500 mark with a victory tonight.

7:40...Kent State's David Starn throws the first pitch. Game Underway.

7:50...Starn cruises through the top of the first and the Copperheads got an infield single, but nothing matured as Sam Mahoney fouled off a first pitch to the catcher. 0-0.

8:00...Taylor Davis drops a foul ball that would have ended the inning, but a liner back to Starn gets the Snakes out of the inning with Xenia stranding a runner on 1st and 2nd. Still scoreless.

8:10...Justin Marrero a 2 out RBI triple that scores Michael Fear to put the Copperheads up 1-0. Fear would have been out at home but the catcher went to apply the tag only to drop the ball.

8:23...David Starn strikes out two in the top of the 3rd and keep the 'Heads up 1-0 with the Scouts on only one hit.

8:27...Taylor Davis an RBI double scores Yakubik who doubled in the previous at bat. 2-0 Copperheads.

8:42...Starn gives up a hit and a walk in the top of the 4th, but nothing going for Xenia as the Copperheads roll keeping a 2-0 going into the bottom of the 4th with Plata up.

9:06...Nothing going in the 4th and 5th innings. Scouts tab 2 more hits and the Snakes get another hit but it's still 2-0 Heads but going into the sixth Rob Moffat is on the hill replacing David Starn who pitched 5 scoreless innings.

9:17...The Scouts rally with 2 runs here off Rob Moffat with one out and action in the Copperheads bullpen.

9:22...Moffat's day is done after the Scouts take the lead 3-2. Andy Carter comes in and retires the first batter he faces.

9:42...Scoreless bottom of the 6th and the Copperheads now have Carter on the hill to pitch the top of the 7th down 3-2 against the Scouts.

9:48...Copperheads keep Xenia scoreless in the top of the seventh. Barry Benton on the hill for the Scouts trying to protect a one-run lead.

9:56...Ryan Burnett an RBI single to send home Justin Marrero tying the game at 3 with two outs.

9:58...Jerod Yakubik sends home Marrero and the Copperheads take a 4-3 lead.

10:05...Copperheads get runners on 2nd and 3rd but couldn't add any more runs. Still a 4-3 Snakes lead going into the 8th inning.

10:08...Tyler Gatrell comes in to pitch for Southern Ohio in the top of the 8th.

10:21...Jordan Langley on the mound to close out the game for the Copperheads. Strikes out

Off, Off and Off

When I asked coach Mike Florak what the schedule would be for this three-day break from games, he simply responded with "off, off and off." So the players, after a busy and congested 17 days, get three days to themselves.

A few tidbits to chew on prior to Independence Day:

• The Licking County-Southern Ohio doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday will begin at 4:00 PM. It will be a seven-inning game followed by a nine-inning game. Game one will be the make-up affair from June 25, when rain ended the contest just three innings into the game.
• With their four-hit performance against the Terriers Wednesday, the Copperheads are hitting a league-worst .197 as a team. The second worst hitting team in the league (Hamilton) is hitting .228. The club is slugging just .269, and Southern Ohio has a .284 on-base percentage.
• What is keeping the Green and Gold in games is their pitching (obviously). The Copperheads are third in the league with a 3.28 ERA. Per game, Southern Ohio pitchers are striking out 7.7 batters, the best clip in the GLSCL.
• The Copperheads are planning on bringing another pitcher aboard, along with another infielder. The deadline to add players without dropping another player due to injury is July 15.
• Southern Ohio sits in 5th place through 13 games. The Copperheads are 2-5 against the four teams ahead of them and 4-2 against the five teams below them.
• The Copperheads held a free baseball clinic Thursday morning in Athens, and approximately 70 kids attended. The entire Southern Ohio coaching staff, along with about half of the roster, helped during the three-hour event. A great showing for a first-year program.
• We have been promoting it on the broadcasts, so it deserves mention here. Friday, July 10, is the first ever fireworks show in Copperheads' history. There will be a fireworks display after the 7:30 p.m. contest between the Snakes and the Anderson Servants. The organization is hoping to break the all-time attendance mark, which was set last year in the home finale against Delaware (1,109).

The blog is off until Sunday's live blog, when Brad Zahar tells you all about the Copperheads and the Scouts. Allie LaForce and I take the air at 7:15 p.m. for a rare weekend singleheader on Power 105 and copperheadbaseball.com. Until then, enjoy the 4th!

- Brian

Copperheads vs. Stark County Terriers

It's another midsummer night's dream... an evening at the ballpark.  Under some pretty cloudy skies, the Copperheads (6-6) look to get above .500 for the first time this season as they welcome in the Stark County Terriers (5-9).  Word is the weather should hold out for an entire nine innings to be played.  We'll keep you posted throughout the game.  Let's play ball...

• 7:40 - Great play by Justin Marrero to get the bang-bang play at first for out number one. Solid first inning for Cameron Hobson as the Terriers to go 1-2-3.   It's these kind of innings that the Copperheads offense needs to take advantage of.
• 7:47 - Burnett and Geier go down to start the inning, but Yakubik reaches third after being beaned.  Davis lines out to third to end the inning.
• 7:54 - I just received the keys to my new car.  Not really, hopefully someone claims them, are they're walking home.  Back to baseball, Hobson looks solid early on as he fans McCoury, Sherwood, and Corfman for a quick inning.  
• 8:00 - Plata is thrown out at first to start the inning.  Trent Moses knocks the first hit of the game into center field, but Sam Mahoney lines one right back to the pitcher for the inning ending double play.
• 8:08 - Mark Lapikas reaches first on a Chad Geier error, adding another to his growing list.  He redeems himself with a good double play attempt, but the throw from second by Marrero is a little high.  Hiscox snags it and appears to tag Katich on his way down before he reaches first, but he's called safe, sending the crowd into a bit of a frenzy (I agree with them).  Hobson continues to be strong as he holds the Terriers hitless and scoreless through the first three.
• 8:14 - This game has been scorching fast as the Southern Ohio hitters go 1-2-3 in another quick inning.
• 8:26 - A foul ball into the stand right behind home plate almost takes out several fans.  Perfect time to remind them to return foul balls to staff members (leading to a couple boo birds).   Hobson gives up his first hit of the night to Kevin Haas.  Ferrell is retired, but McCoury's double to the right field wall give the Terriers a 1-0 lead.  Corfman is then beaned to put men on first & second, and Hobson's mistakes are beginning to show.  After a meeting on the mound, he comes back to sit the last two batters down.  Good rebound for #26. 
• 8:32 - First two batter go down, but Davis reaches on an error by the second baseman.  Plata flies out to right, however, and no damage is done.  That bats are gonna have to get a little more active for the Snakes to pull this one out.
• 8:41 - Similar to the last half-inning, the first two batters are sat down, but Thompkons singles past Marrero to occupy first.  He steals second with no pickoff attempt from Davis.  No damage is done, however, as Haas is struck out to end the inning.
• 8:50 - The rain has begun to fall at the stadium as fans head for cover.  Moses & Mahoney go down to start the inning, but big Brian Hiscox comes back to double down the left field line.  Marrero flies out to right and Hiscox is left stranded.  It remains 1-0 Stark County. 
• 8:59 - Ferrell gets a leadoff bloop single into left.  McCoury strikes out before Ferrell moves to second and then third on the steals. Sherwood strikes out and Corfman lines out to third to end the inning.  Hobson is racking up the K's and still looking in good form. 
• 9:17 - Burnett beats out a throw to first to get the leadoff single.  Geier moves him over with a fine sac bunt.  On an side note, pitching coach Chris Moore has strangely made two straight visits to the mound for the opposing pitcher.  Yakubik flies out to left as Burnett tags and heads to third.  Davis is walked to put men on the corners, leading to a meeting on the mound.  With an 0-2 count, Davis is able to steal second, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position.  Shortstop Joe Bogdewiecz makes a great diving catch to save two runs and the score remains 1-0.
• 9:26 - Mark Lapikas ground out for out number one.  Hobson's day is done after a solid day, giving up four hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings.  Now it's Nick Egan's turn.  Katich lines one to the third baseman, but a great catch Trent Moses saves a hit.  Bogdewiecz grounds out to end the inning.  Three innings left for Southern Ohio to make up this short deficit.
• 9:36 - JD Osborne is now on the mound for Stark County.  Moses walks to start the inning, bringing up Mahoney, who grounds into the double play.  Hiscox walks to reoccupy first as Pat Glass is brought in to pinch run.  Marrero flies out to end the inning and the Copperheads stay with the goose egg.  
• 9:51 - Thompkins gets the leadoff single to right field.  Haas lays down the bunt and the runners advance to second and third on the error at first.  Ferrell flies out to deep center, allowing bother runners to advance and push the Terriers' lead to two.  Egan's night is done as Tyler Gatrell comes out of the bullpen.  He strikes out McCoury & intentionally walks Sherwood to bring up Corfman.  Sherwood advances to second as Corfman strikes out to end the inning.  Solid first go for Gatrell.
• 9:58 - Matt Rosinski's now in to pitch for the Terriers and gets Burnett to ground out for the first out.  The list of great catches by Stark County is growing as a nice running catch by Sherwood robs Geier of an extra-base hit.  Yakubik grounds out to first to end the inning and the Copperheads remain scoreless through eight.
• 10:16 - Someone FINALLY claimed the car keys after four announcements.  On the field, Gatrell walks Lapikas to start the inning but comes back to fan Katich.  Bogdewiecz grounds to the second baseman but is safe off the error at first.  Credit him with the RBI... it's now 3-0.  Dave Jensen is now in to pitch, hoping to get the last two outs.  He strikes out Thompkins before intentionally walking Haas to bring up Ferrell.  The first baseman bobbles the grounder but gets Ferrell just in time to end the inning. Do-or-die time for the Copperheads.
• 10:25 - Davis walks to start the inning & advances to second on a wild pitch.  Plata grounds to second for out number one.  Moses singles to right field to put men at the corners.  Mahoney grounds into the forceout at second, but brings Davis home to make it 3-1.  That would be all-she-wrote, however, as pinch-hitting Michael Fear flies out to deep left to end the game.

The Copperheads registered five hits, one run, and three errors on the night & fall to 6-7.  Stark County improves to 6-9 as they register five hits, three runs, and one error on the night.  Southern Ohio now has a long break to prepare for Sunday when the Xenia Scouts come back to town.  First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. and, as always, you can catch all the action with Brian Boesch and Allie LaForce on Power 105.  

-Justin Sampson