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 Hickory Crawdads

Jurado Dominates in 'Dads 1-0 Win

May 6, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release


Hickory, NC - Hickory Crawdads starting pitcher Ariel Jurado turned in the performance of the season for the 'Dads pitching staff Wednesday night, as the 19-year-old right-hander tied a career high with 11 strikeouts over seven shutout innings while leading his team to a 1-0 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers at L.P. Frans Stadium.

Jurado appeared dominant on the mound from his very first pitch, with the 'Dads Opening Day starter fanning two batters in the first as a part of four multi-strikeout frames. The Panama native ended his outing with a flourish as well, striking out the side in each of his last two innings en route to finishing with double digit Ks.

The Crawdads offense was held in check themselves for most of the game, with Greensboro starter Ben Holmes throwing five scoreless frames. The Grasshoppers turned to the bullpen in the 6th, and the 'Dads took advantage of the smallest of openings to seize the lead. Travis Demeritte started the inning with a single to right before going first to third on Ronald Guzman's base knock to put runners at the corners with nobody out. Greensboro reliever Drew Steckenrider settled down and retired Jose Trevino on a fly out to center and struck out Luke Tendler swinging for the second out of the frame. On the final pitch to Tendler however, Guzman broke for second base. When Greensboro catcher Arturo Rodriguez threw to second, Demeritte sprinted for home with both runners arriving safely and the double steal giving the 'Dads their 1-0 lead.

That would be all the Hickory bullpen would need, as Chris Dula pitched a scoreless 8th after leaving runners at second and third while closer John Fasola struck out two in a perfect 9th to give the Crawdads the 1-0 win. The overpowering pitching led to a season-low one hour, 58 minute game.

Jurado earned the win and improved to a perfect 5-0 on the season. Steckenrider (0-1) took the loss after allowing the game's only run on four hits during his three innings of relief. Fasola picked up his 5th save of the year for closing out the game.

Demeritte finished the night 2-4 with a run scored to lead the Hickory offense.

The Crawdads (17-8) and Grasshoppers (12-13) will face off again Thursday night in game two of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 pm.


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