Bulldogs Win Series Opener

The Bulldogs came out of the gate swinging to take a big series opener win from the HSE Royals last night 5-3.  Garrett Copley threw 6 2/3 inning to collect the win and Tyler Bireley was about to close out the 7^th to collect his 2^nd save of the year.  The game started off as a pitching duel with both teams going scoreless through 2.  The Royals broke open the scoring with one in the 3^rd, but the Dogs responded with back-to-back RBI hits from Tyler Bireley and Jordan Jones to take the lead at 2-1.  In the 4^th, the Royals were able to tie it up at two, but it only took one inning for the Bulldog bats to come back to life.  In the bottom of the 5^th, the Dogs were able to scratch 3 runs across with RBIs from Logan Kabrich, Brandon Reid and another from Tyler Bireley.  The Royals threatened in the 7^th, but Garrett Copley handed the ball over to Bireley and the Dogs were able to end the game on routine grounder to Luis Escalante.  The Bulldogs will travel to HSE tonight to play a DH and conclude their HCC season.

Notables

Garrett Copley (W):  6 2/3 IP, 5 Ks

Tyler Bireley (S): 1/3, 0 R

                                2-3, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs

Luis Escalante: 3-3, 2 2Bs, 2 Runs

Brandon Reid: 2-2, RBI