The Hoptown Hoppers completed the first circuit of the 2025 OVL season and remain winless after dropping a 3-2 decision to host Fulton on Wednesday night.
Former Trigg County High School star Aidon Butts suffered the pitching loss, despite allowing only one earned run over 5 1/3 innings. Butts struck out seven batters and did not allow a walk.
However, the Hoppers’ bats struggled again with only three hits on the night. Fulton scored all three of its runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and then held off a Hoppers’ rally in the ninth inning.
Hoptown didn’t go down without a fight on Wednesday. Trailing 3-0 in the top of the seventh inning, Owen Hutcheson led off with a walk and Dom Bello reached on an error. Chance Sweeney’s double scored Hutcheson to cut the lead to 3-1.
The Hoppers drew within 3-2 in the top of the ninth as Sweeney doubled and came around to score on a single by Hunter Swanson. However, Fulton pitcher Hayes Melville got Gabe Eddington to pop out to end the game.
Tyler Chapman earned the win for Fulton (2-3) and Melville picked up the save.
The Hoppers (0-5) are back in action Friday night at home against Henderson at 6:30 p.m. Airtime is 6:15 p.m. on 95.3 The Farm and 953thefarm.com.
Score by Innings:
Hoptown Hoppers 000 000 101 – 2 3 2
Fulton Railroaders 000 030 00x – 3 7 2
WP – Chapman
LP – Butts
S – Melville
Leading Hitters: Hoptown – Sweeney (2 2B), Swanson (1B).
File Photo