Claws Fall 3-1 to West Virginia on Friday Night
August 9, 2019 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
Lakewood BlueClaws pitcher Rafi Gonell
(Jersey Shore BlueClaws)
LAKEWOOD, NJ - Devin Sweet and three relievers combined to hold the BlueClaws to just one run as West Virginia topped the BlueClaws 3-1 at FirstEnergy Park on Friday night.
The Power (23-24/60-57) have taken the first two games in the four-game series from the BlueClaws (19-26/48-67), who have now lost three straight games.
West Virginia got off to a quick start, with Matt Sanders taking Rafi Gonell deep as the second batter of the game. His two-run shot brought in Ryan Ramiz, who had walked, and put the Power up 2-0.
Lakewood got a run back in the bottom of the first inning when Jonathan Guzman scored on a wild pitch.
BlueClaws starter Rafi Gonell (4-2) exited after five innings, allowing just the two runs from the opening frame.
Taylor Lehman came on in the sixth and allowed one run on a double from Austin Shenton that gave the Power a 3-1 lead.
Power starter Devin Sweet (7-4), who earned the win, also went five innings, allowing one run on five hits. He struck out six and walked two. Taylor Rinehard threw the sixth and seventh while Bryan Pall threw a scoreless eighth and Dayeison Arias threw a scoreless ninth for his 12th save of the season.
Malvin Matos had three hits in the loss for the BlueClaws and is now 25 for his last 57. Yerwin Trejo had two hits as well in the loss.
The teams continue their series on Saturday at 7:05 pm. LHP Jhordany Mezquita (2-7) starts for Lakewood opposite RHP Evan Johnson (0-2, 3.26).
Images from this story
 Lakewood BlueClaws pitcher Rafi Gonell |
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