FL River City Rascals

Fagan Out Duels Howard In 3-1 Crushers Win

Published on September 20, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


AVON, OH - Paul Fagan, the Frontier League's Most Valuable Pitcher, out dueled Daniel Howard in a 3-1 Crushers win Sunday night in front of 3,842 at All Pro Freight Stadium. The Rascals still lead the best of five Championship Series two game to one with game four set for Monday night at 6:05 p.m.

The Rascals (5-1) suffered their first setback in the postseason, scoring only one run against Fagan (1-1) in seven innings. River City got a leadoff solo home run by Scott Houin in the sixth for the 3-1 final. JoJo Batten and Chad Maddox followed with singles and Ernie Banks struck out for the first out. Ryan Wehrle then grounded into a double play as Fagan shut down the rally.

Lake Erie (4-4) did all their scoring early on Howard (1-1), plating two in the first and one in the second. Jodem Rivera began the game with a walk and Drew Saylor launched his second long ball of the playoffs to put the Crushers up 2-0.

Howard surrendered another run in the second before settling down to finish seven frames for River City. Tyler Johnson laid down a bunt single and stole second to start the second. Eddie Tisdale singled right up the middle to drove home Johnson for the 3-0 cushion.

Howard tossed seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and five walks.

River City did threaten against J.J. Pacella in the ninth. Banks singled and was out at second on a controversial call off the bat of pinch hitter, Josh Banda. Rivera fielded the ball deep in the hole at short and went to second for the force out. The throw appeared to pull Saylor off the bag, but Banks was ruled out on the play. Manager of the Year, Chad Parker, argued the call and was ejected as a result. Danny Sawyer popped out the next pitch to end the game.

Fagan went the first seven in the victory, allowing the one run on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks while Pacella earned his second save with a scoreless ninth.

The Rascals will now attempt to earn their first Frontier League title tomorrow night in game four. Stephen Flake (0-0) will make his first outing of the postseason against game one starter, Brent Lysander (0-1). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. central with a 5:45 p.m. Progress West Healthcare Center pre-game show on Classic Hits Westplex 100.7 FM and online at www.kfns.com.

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Frontier League Stories from September 20, 2009


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