Vasquez Tosses Gem in 4-3 Win
May 4, 2017 - Eastern League (EL1)
Erie SeaWolves News Release
TRENTON (17-9) 3-6-2
ERIE (12-13) 4-9-2
The SeaWolves battled the elements on Thursday night and won their second straight game, taking down the Trenton Thunder, 4-3, in the series opener at UPMC Park.
Trenton took the lead in the second against SeaWolves starter Anthony Vasquez. Mike Ford led off with a single and Zack Zehner walked. With one out, Jorge Saez doubled home the baserunners for a 2-0 lead.
Erie quickly got the runs back in the last of the second against Trenton starter Justus Sheffield. Grayson Greiner doubled with one out and scored on a two-out Gabriel Quintana base hit to make it 2-1. The inning continued when A.J. Simcox reached on an error, pushing Quintana into scoring position. Logan Watkins singled home Quintana, tying the game 2-2.
The SeaWolves then took the lead in the third. Mike Gerber led off and reached on an error. Christin Stewart followed with a single and Dominic Ficociello walked, loading the bases. Greiner doubled home Gerber and Stewart for a 4-2 lead. With one out, Trenton went to the bullpen and J.R. Graham ended the Erie threat. Graham and lefty Caleb Frare would hold Erie scoreless over the final 5.2 innings of the game.
Vasquez was brilliant as he became the first SeaWolves starter in 2017 to work into the ninth inning. He gave up a one-out solo home run to Saez to make it 4-3 and would give way to Kurt Spomer . Spomer got the second out before walking back-to-back hitters, putting the tying run on second for Gleyber Torres. Spomer struck out Torres to end the game, earning his first save.
Vasquez (3-1) earned the win allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in a season-high 8.1 innings of work.
Sheffield (1-1) took the loss allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 2.1 innings, a season-low.
The SeaWolves and Thunder will meet in doubleheader action on Friday at UPMC Park with game one beginning at 5:05 p.m. RHP Myles Jaye (0-2, 3.32 ERA) takes the mound for Erie in game one against RHP Ronald Herrera (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Game two features RHP A.J. Achter (0-0, 3.77 ERA) against LHP Nestor Cortes (2-0, 1.35 ERA).
Friday, the first 1,000 fans (21 & older) will receive a SeaWolves pint glass courtesy of Budweiser. Fans can enjoy Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour specials from the time the gates open at 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Specials include: $2 Bud & Bud Light drafts (in the Bud Light Beer Garden), $2 Tacos (at the South of the Border Cart) and $2 Bud Light Lime-a-Ritas (at the Bud & Burgers Cart, South of the Border Cart and in the Bud Light Beer Garden).
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Eastern League Stories from May 4, 2017
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