Sports stats

SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws shutout Captains 5-0 to open second half

June 19, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Julian Sampson fired six shutout innings to help the BlueClaws to a 5-0 victory over the first half champion Lake County Captains on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Park.

Sampson, making just his third start since retuning from the disabled list on June 6, was consistently tough, battling out of a series of jams. The 19-year old right-hander struck out just two, but also gave up only five hits and walked three. The BlueClaws are now 9-3 in games started by Sampson (4-1) this season.

The victory got the BlueClaws (1-0, 39-32) off to a good start in the second half of the 2008 season. Lakewood finished the first half 38-32 and in third place in the North Division. The victory was in a stark contrast to how the 'Claws started the first half, when they were shutout by Lake County 4-0 at FirstEnergy Park.

Sampson had some help from his bullpen to preserve the shutout. Chris Kissock made a rare relief appearance and went two innings, allowing one hit. Recent addition Reymond Cruz got the final three outs without allowing a run to close out the victory. Cruz was added to the roster over the All Star break in place of fellow reliever Ben Pfinsgraff, who was promoted to High Class A Clearwater.

The move was one of a series of transactions that took place before first pitch. The BlueClaws offense was forced to adapt to life without their best hitter Michael Taylor, who was also promoted to Clearwater. Lakewood did get slugger Mike Durant back from the disabled list over the All Star break. Durant finished 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

But even without Taylor, the BlueClaws offense held their own against a fearsome Lake County staff. Lakewood struck for two runs against starter Chris Archer (2-7), chasing the Captains right-hander after just 3 1/3 innings. Josh Judy, who entered the game 7-0, was roughed up for three runs, two earned, in 2 1/3 innings.

Of the five BlueClaws runs, only one crossed the plate as the result of a BlueClaws hit. Joel Naughton picked up an RBI single in the fourth inning, but of the other four runs two scored on a wild pitch and two scored on sacrifice flies.

It was the third shutout of the season for the BlueClaws and their second in the last four games. Lakewood shutout Delmarva 4-0 on June 13.

The win moved the BlueClaws into a tie for first place for the first time this season.

The BlueClaws will take on Lake County (0-1, 41-30) again on Friday night at 7:05 at FirstEnergy Park. Jacob Diekman (1-4) will take the mound for the BlueClaws, while southpaw Ryan Morris (6-1) will go for the Captains.

As like each Friday at FirstEnergy Park, there will be post-game fireworks, presented by Toyota and Scion World of Lakewood.

Check out the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from June 19, 2008


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.

Other Recent Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central