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Lake Erie Crushers

Strong start from Morton in 2-1 loss

August 19, 2015 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio -- The Lake Erie Crushers received a strong starting pitching performance from right-hander Zach Morton on Wednesday night at All Pro Freight Stadium, but it was not enough, as they fell to the Normal CornBelters, 2-1.

The loss for the Crushers (34-45) was their fourth in their last six games, while the victory for the CornBelters (48-32) was their 11th in their last 12 games.

Morton (4-3) delivered seven strong innings for the Crushers, allowing just a pair of runs on five hits while fanning four batters but took the loss.

The CornBelters struck first for the second night in a row, plating a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning. Pat McKenna began the inning with a walk, his fifth of the series, and he made his way to third two pitches later after Richard Lucas smashed a double to the gap in right center. A wild pitch scored McKenna, and Lucas scored on Jason Merjano's RBI groundout.

Lake Erie was able to keep the CornBelters off the board the rest of the game, however, Normal starting pitcher Jake Negrete (2-0) out-dueled Morton, by tossing six scoreless innings, while fanning seven batters. He was perfect through four innings, until Anderson Hidalgo led off the fifth inning with a base hit.

Negrete exited at the end of six innings, and Cole Brocker replaced him in the seventh, which is where the Crushers got on the board. The inning began with three straight hits. Jose Barraza began the inning with a double to center, and scored just a few pitches later on Hidalgo's RBI two-bagger to the gap in right center. Hidalgo made his way to third on a single from Juan Sanchez, but the Crushers couldn't cash in with runners at the corners and nobody out.

Brocker struck out Boo Vazquez, before Sanchez was caught trying to steal second base. Brocker then struck out Chandler Brock to end the threat.

Negrete came away with the win, while Morton took the loss and Race Parmenter (18) worked a scoreless ninth to snag the save. For the second night in a row, the Lake Erie bullpen did not allow a run.

Hidalgo paced the Lake Erie offense, going 2-for-3, and reached three times on the night. He was the only Crusher to reach multiple times.

The Crushers will finish their three game series with the Normal CornBelters at All Pro Freight Stadium on Thursday night. Left-hander Brad Zambron (3-5, 4.06) will start for the Crushers and right-hander Mike Schweiss (6-7, 3.40) will start for the CornBelters. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, and 2011 Frontier League Organization of the year, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium, a 5,000 capacity stadium located in Avon, Ohio. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 14 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2015 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.

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