ATHENS, Ohio— The Stark County Terriers improved their record to 16-13 on the year after defeating the Southern Ohio Copperheads Friday night by a score of 10-7. The Terriers scored all of their runs in the first four innings, and were able to hold on for the win in the later innings.

The Terriers bats would get off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the first inning. After consecutive singles by Josh Haley (UNC @ Pembrook/ Jackson Springs, NC) and Zach Leonard (Eastern Michigan University/ Canton, OH), first baseman Mark Lapikas (University of Toledo/ Youngstown, OH) would single to right to drive in the first run of the game. The next run would come courtesy of a fielder’s choice. The third run of the inning would come off a Zach Vesco (College of Wooster/ Pickering, OH) single that would bring home Dominic Spadafora (Wabash Community College/ Fort Wayne, IN), who previously tripled to reach base.

The Copperheads would respond by scoring a run of their own in the bottom of the first.

Stark County would continue their scoring in the second. After loading the bases without recording a hit, Zach Leonard would double over the center fielder’s head to clear the bases.

In the third inning, Jared Turocy (University of Akron/ Canfield, OH) would hit a two RBI single to right center field. Haley would later single in the inning to bring Turocy home.

Designated hitter Grant McCoury (Elon University/ Canton, OH) would lead off the fourth inning with a triple to left center field. Jared Turocy would later double to right field to score McCoury, extending the Terriers lead to 10-1.

The Copperheads would score two runs in the sixth inning, followed by four runs in the seventh to cut the score down to 10-7. The Terriers would hold on the remainder of the game for the win.

Starting pitcher for Stark County was RHP Tyler Newhart (John A. Logan College/ Alliance, OH). Newhart pitched five innings for the Terriers, allowing one run, off four hits. Earning the save was RHP Pat O’Brien (Bowling Green State University/ Boardman, OH). O’Brien pitched 1.1 innings, allowing no runs and no hits.

Leading hitters for Stark County were Josh Haley (2-4, RBI, 2R), Zach Leonard (3-6, 3RBI, R, 2B), Jared Turocy (2-3, 3RBI, 2R, 2B), and Zach Vesco (2-3, RBI).

The Terriers will next take the field on Saturday in a double header against the Cincinnati Steam, at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. First pitch is scheduled for 3PM.