PERFECT GAME CBL

Hawkeyes 5, Pilots 4

The Cooperstown Hawkeyes (23-19) edged host Newark (24-22) to take a one-game lead over the Pilots for first place in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League's West Division.

Alex Meadow sparked a four-run fifth inning for Cooperstown with a leadoff double. Second baseman Ray Delvalle made back-to-back errors on sacrifice-bunt attempts by J.P. Sportman and Jamie Jiron that led to runs as the Hawkeyes took a 2-0 lead. Bryan Aanderud capped the Hawkeyes' scoring in the fifth with a two-run single through the right side.

Newark scored on a bases-loaded walk to Delvalle in the bottom of the fifth as the Pilots pulled to 4-1.

Sportman scored the decisive run in the eighth. He walked, took second on a wild pitch and moved to third on a failed pickoff attempt. Sportman then made it 5-1 when Jiron grounded out to reliever Shayne Herold, who went to first for the out.

Newark rallied with three runs in the bottom frame, on an RBI double from Michael Bolling and a two-run single by Adam Grace.

Hawkeyes starter Conor Kerins (3-3) struck out seven in six innings for the pitching victory. Terrence Moore, who pitched the last two innings, earned his fourth save of the season.

Cooperstown visits Watertown for a doubleheader that starts at 5:05 p.m. today. Two hours later, Newark will host the Elmira Pioneers for a single game.

A box score was not available at press time.