SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws close first half with 13-8 win

Published on June 15, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


SALISBURY, Md. - The Lakewood BlueClaws wrapped up their best first half in team history with a 13-8 victory over Delmarva on Sunday afternoon at Perdue Stadium. The win was the 38th of the first half for the BlueClaws, surpassing the 37 victories Lakewood recorded in 2006.

Lakewood finishes the first half 38-32, three games behind champions Lake County, and will take three days off before returning to FirstEnergy Park for the first series of the second half against the Captains on Thursday. Four BlueClaws-Michael Taylor, Mike Durant, Drew Naylor and Joel Naughton-will head to Greensboro for Tuesday's All Star Game at NewBridge Bank Park.

The BlueClaws were forced to rally after falling behind 4-0 after the first inning. They had little problem overcoming the early deficit, scoring five runs in each the third and the seventh inning. Taylor led the offensive charge, driving in three runs to bring his first half RBI total to 50. Taylor also ran his South Atlantic League-best hitting streak to 26 games.

Karl Bolt, Dennis Winn and Travis Mattair drove in two runs apiece for the Lakewood effort. Every BlueClaws player had at least one hit, including three each by Derrick Mitchell and Dominic Brown.

The offensive explosion was necessary due to a shaky start by starter Chris Kissock. A late replacement for Naylor, Kissock lasted three innings, giving up six earned runs on seven hits. But the right- hander did not factor in the decision, as the BlueClaws rallied with Ben Pfinsgraff (2-3) on the mound.

Pfinsgraff, Sergio Escalona and Jared Simon combined to allow just two runs in the final six innings. Escalona did not allow a hit in the two innings, although he did walk three hitters.

The game featured plenty of emotion throughout, as the benches nearly cleared when Kieron Pope was hit by a Kissock pitch in the third inning. Pope's ensuing take-out slide on Freddy Galvis earned both benches a warning. Delmarva manager Ramon Sambo was ejected in the seventh inning for arguing a call at first base.

Delmarva (38-31) finishes the first half a half game ahead of the BlueClaws in the North Division standings. The BlueClaws do lead the season series 8-6. The teams will meet 22 times this season.

The BlueClaws will next take the field on June 19 at FirstEnergy Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Former U.S. Soccer goalkeeper Tony Meola will be on hand as part of Soccer Night, presented by Soccer Post. The first 2,000 fans 18 or older will also receive instant lottery tickets, thanks to the New Jersey Lottery.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 15, 2008


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