BlueClaws break out in 8-1 win over Kannapolis
Published on July 26, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws broke out of their offensive slump in a big way on Saturday night at FirstEnergy Park, notching a decisive 8-1 victory over the Kannapolis Intimidators.
The big offensive night helped snapped a three-game losing streak and a stretch of 24 straight innings without a run.
With the BlueClaws leading just 1-0, Mike Durant gave the BlueClaws all the offense they would need in the third. The Lakewood designated hitter crushed a bases-loaded triple off the left-centerfield wall to score three runs and put the BlueClaws on top 4-0.
The 'Claws tallied 11 hits on the night, including four off the bat of Tim Kennelly. The BlueClaws rightfielder picked up a pair of doubles and also scored two runs. Seven of the nine Lakewood starters had at least one hit and the two that didn't, Freddy Galvis and Joel Naughton, each walked.
Walks were a major issue for the Kannapolis pitching staff, who gave up six walks on the evening. Two of the walks came with the bases loaded in the eighth as part of the BlueClaws four-run rally. Travis Mattair had an RBI hit, his second of the day, as did Matt Rizzotti.
The offensive outburst was behind first-time Lakewood starter Mike Stutes, who made a splash with six scoreless innings. Stutes (1-0), who was drafted in the 11th round of the 2008 Draft, made six starts at Williamsport before being assigned to Lakewood last week. Stutes gave up just two hits and struck out five, while walking just one.
The BlueClaws got another solid outing from their bullpen. Sergio Escalona and Eryk McConnell each pitched an inning of scoreless relief, before the Intimidators broke up the shutout in the ninth on a two- out wild pitch from Reymond Cruz following a swinging strikeout.
Jason Rice (6-7) took the loss for Kannapolis after giving up four runs in his five-inning start. He walked three and struck out four in his time on the mound.
Lakewood kept pace with West Virginia, who hung on for a 7-6 win in Lake County. The BlueClaws trail the Power by four games with a four-game series with West Virginia looming later this week.
But before the Power come to town, the BlueClaws have two more against Kannapolis, including a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday. Chance Chapman will take the mound on an extra day of rest for Lakewood, while Charlie Shirek will go for the Intimidators.
Former Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams will be at FirstEnergy Park for Sunday's game to meet the BlueClaws fans and sign autographs.
South Atlantic League Stories from July 26, 2008
- Pahuta's slam ignites Suns' 11-3 win over Grasshoppers - Hagerstown Suns
- Braves Sting the Jackets - Rome Emperors
- Crawdads Come From Five Down, Choke R'Dogs 12-9 - Charleston RiverDogs
- Power win fifth straight - Charleston Dirty Birds
- Jackets Win Streak Snapped by Braves - Augusta GreenJackets
- Veloz sends Tourists packing in ninth - Savannah Sand Gnats
- BlueClaws break out in 8-1 win over Kannapolis - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Lexington Vaults Past Delmarva 5-3 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Intimidators Fall 8-1 In Lakewood - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- RiverDogs Activate Castillo, Send Medina to Tampa - Charleston RiverDogs
- RiverDogs to Host Ed Randall's 'Bat for the Cure' on July 30 - Charleston RiverDogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
