SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws stumble in 9-2 loss to Lake County

Published on June 21, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Joey Mahalic shut down the BlueClaws offense, limiting Lakewood to two hits in six innings, and helped the Lake County Captains to a commanding 9-2 win on Saturday night at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws were limited to a five hits by Mahalic, Kyle Landis and Vinnie Pestano. Meanwhile, Lake County bashed 14 hits, including eight doubles, against four different BlueClaws pitchers.

Mahalic (4-2) did not allow a baserunner through the first four innings, not relenting until Mike Durant reached on an error by Jeff Hehr to start the fifth. The BlueClaws first hit came two batters later, when Dennis Winn broke up the no-no and drove in the first BlueClaws run of the game.

But Mahalic would allow just one more hit-a leadoff single by Jesus Sanchez-and did not issue a walk before being removed due to pitch count considerations. Mahalic also struck out a season-high eight BlueClaws hitters.

Walter Tejeda (3-3) made his first start for the BlueClaws (2-1, 40-33) since May 22. The southpaw was placed on the disabled list the next day and missed 29 days before rejoining the club over the All- Star break. Tejeda gave up two runs, one earned, in a brief four-inning outing. He struggled with his control early issuing two first-inning walks, but settled down and allowed just three hits and three walks. He also struck out three.

The BlueClaws bullpen had even less success than Tejeda in shutting down the Captains offense. The first-half champions had little trouble against Reymond Cruz and Sergio Escalona. Cruz, who joined the BlueClaws roster over the All-Star break, was roughed up for three runs in two innings and Escalona gave up four runs in his two innings of work. It was a well-balanced offensive attack that doomed the BlueClaws, as eight of the nine Captains starters had at least one hit and seven of the nine scored at least one run. Karexon Sanchez picked up three hits, while Lucas Montero, Jeff Hehr and Michael Valadez each notched two hits.

The BlueClaws did get to reliever Kyle Landis late, but it did little to get Lakewood back into the game. Landis allowed four base runners in the eighth, allowing a run to cross on a T.J. Warren base hit. But the right-hander struck out Durant with the bases loaded to end the threat.

The BlueClaws still have a chance to claim a series victory against the Captains (1-2, 42-31) with a win in Sunday's series finale at FirstEnergy Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. with Chance Chapman (4- 4) taking the mound for the BlueClaws. All Star starter Ryan Miller (7-2) will get the nod for the Captains. The first 2,000 fans at FirstEnergy Park on Sunday will receive commemorative Jimmy Rollins MVP bobbleheads, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 21, 2008


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