Gallo Lifts 'Dads to 3-2 Win
April 26, 2013 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
Hagerstown, MD - In one of the better-pitched games of the season it was yet another home run that proved the difference for the Hickory Crawdads Friday night, as slugging third baseman Joey Gallo launched a 2-run homer over the right field wall in the 8th to give the 'Dads a series opening 3-2 win over the Hagerstown Suns.
Heading into the 8th inning the Crawdads trailed the Suns 2-1, with all three combined runs being unearned thanks to three combined errors. A pitcher's duel between C.J. Edwards of the 'Dads and Dixon Anderson of the Suns had spilled over into the bullpen, with Hagerstown reliever Brian Dupra facing Gallo with Nick Vickerson on first base and one out.
Hitless on the night with walk, Gallo proceeded to crush a fastball over the right field wall and turn a one-run deficit into a 3-2 advantage for Hickory. Gallo's bomb extended his South Atlantic League leading home run total to 8, one more than injured teammate Nick Williams.
The timely long ball gave the 'Dads a win in a game where their pitching staff didn't allow an earned run for only the second time this season. Edwards led the way with just an unearned run allowed on four hits, striking out seven and walking two over his five innings pitched.
Hickory reliever Jose Valdespina (1-0) picked up where Edwards left off in the sixth, earning his first win after tossing two innings and allowing just an unearned run of his own on two hits and four strikeouts. Coby Cowgill pitched in a scoreless inning as well, while Cody Kendall pitched a perfect ninth to record his team-leading fourth save of the year.
Anderson finished the night with 6 innings pitched for the Suns, allowing just an unearned run on four hits, one walk and five strikeouts. Dupra (1-2) took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits over three innings.
Gallo finished the game 1-3 with a HR and 2 RBI, while struggling center fielder Lewis Brinson broke out with three hits, two doubles, in the win.
Vickerson, who was just added to the Hickory roster Friday morning with Williams going on the DL, went 1-3 with a 2B, walk and run scored in his debut.
With the win the Crawdads (14-8) put push their lead over the second place Suns (11-11) to 3 games. The 'Dads have now won 10 of their last 11 games. Hickory and Hagerstown will match up again Saturday night at 6:35 in game two of their three-game series.
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On the Road Again: The Crawdads 7-game road trip stays in Hagerstown with the 'Dads and Suns matching up for game two of their four-game series Saturday night at 6:35. With a win, Hickory can clinch at least a split in their fifth straight series. You can follow the 'Dads through the entire trip on 1490 AM or online at hickorycrawdads.com.
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