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SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws stay hot with 8-7 win over Hagerstown

June 2, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Lakewood overcame a shaky start from Chris Kissock and got a key contribution from Michael Taylor to take a 8-7 victory over Hagerstown on Monday night at FirstEnergy Park.

Taylor's seventh inning solo home run proved to be the game-winner, as the BlueClaws slugger took Kyle Gunderson deep. The home run, which was estimated at 431 feet, was the ninth of the year for Taylor, who is leading the South Atlantic League in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. He finished two-for-four with two RBIs.

The late blast helped Lakewood overcome a rocky start by Kissock, who gave up five earned runs in just four innings. The right-hander struggled to find the zone, walking three and hitting one. Three of the four that reached on the free pass eventually came in to score.

The victory was the fourth in a row for the BlueClaws (32-25) and 11th in their last 12 games. They have also won 13 of their last 15.

Lakewood now sits just two games behind Lake County for first place in the Northern Division. There are 13 games remaining in the first half.

The BlueClaws offense clicked in the fourth inning to help turn a 5-2 deficit into a 7-5 lead off of Hagerstown starter Cole Kimball. The first five BlueClaws hitters all reached base, including three hits to start the frame. Kimball (1-2) also walked one and hit one as part of the decisive rally.

Lakewood turned to their bullpen to start the fifth following Kissock's departure. Zach Sterner, Moises Melendez and Jared Simon combined to throw the final five innings, with Sterner (3-0) claiming the victory.

Simon was the most impressive of the three, collecting the final three outs of the game with little difficulty to earn his ninth save of the season.

Every BlueClaws hitter reached base and eight of nine starters scored a run. Dominic Brown was the only BlueClaw not to score but he too contributed with a double and an RBI. Taylor was the only player to notch multiple hits in the game.

Hagerstown jumped to an early three-run lead in the first innings. Kissock walked the first batter of the ballgame, before hitting Dan Lyons. Both would come in and score as Aaron Suess, Michael Burgess and Stephen King each picked up an RBI. King finished the game three-for-four with two RBIs and a run scored.

The 'Claws will look to keep the winning ways going on Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Park. Darren Byrd (0- 0) will make the 7:05 p.m. first pitch for the BlueClaws, while Brad Meyers (2-1) will take the hill for the Suns.

The first 2,000 fans 18 and older through the gates at FirstEnergy Park will receive a BlueClaws pint glass, courtesy of Sunrise Senior Living. It will also be Senior Day Tuesday, sponsored by Commerce Bank, as the every senior will get a voucher for a free hot dog, chips and a soda.

Check out the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Statistics



South Atlantic League Stories from June 2, 2008


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