Crawdad offense stagnant in loss
June 11, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
Hickory took the first lead at home Wednesday night but Greenville emerged from L.P. Frans Stadium with a 5-2 victory. Leading 1-0 after the first inning, the Crawdads hoped their 21-9 record when scoring first this season would stand, but it would be the last lead Hickory (28-38) enjoyed on the night.
Erik Huber's fielder's choice drove in Austin McClune in the bottom half of the first, but Greenville (38-28) answered promptly with a Ty Weeden two-run home run in the top of the second. After Will Vazquez scored on a wild pitch from Crawdads starter Rafael De Los Santos, the Drive took a 3-1 lead they would not relinquish.
Hickory made it as close as a one-run affair when Albert Laboy knocked a solo home run -- his second long ball in eight games with the 'Dads -- in the top of the third.
Vazquez' RBI double in the sixth and Yamaico Navarro's RBI single in the seventh ensured, however, that Greenville's lead would stand the Hickory test.
a The loss extends the Crawdads' losing streak to a season-high seven games. Hickory has also lost 15 of 17 games, its worst such run since the 2005 season.
On the contrary, Greenville has won 12 of its last 14 contests and improved its road record to a league-best 26-8.
De Los Santos took the loss for the Crawdads, dropping to 2-5 on the season after allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits in five innings, walking three and striking out two.
Greenville starter Jose Capellan earned his first win of the season in just his second start, improving to 1-0. He allowed two runs on five hits in five innings, walking one and striking out one. Ryne Lawson pitched two scoreless innings to cap the game with his fourth save of the year.
Hickory looks to snap its funk in the series finale Thursday night. The 'Dads send RHP Bradley Clapp (0-5, 4.33 ERA) to the mound in search of his first win of the year. The Drive will counter with LHP Jose Alvarez (3-8, 6.75).
First pitch is scheduled for 7. Not only will fans receive free T-shirts while supplies last, but the Crawdads will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Night in addition to offering Dollar Beverage Night.
Tickets are available by calling (828) 322-3000.
GAME NOTES: Game time was 2:55. Attendance was 1,433. ...It was just the second time in the teams' five meetings this year that game time was less than 3 hours. ...Rafael De Los Santos has yet to win a game at home in seven starts this season. ...Austin McClune's outfield assist in the seventh inning gave him 11 for the year and moved him into sole possession of second place in the league this season (15 - Michael Burgess, Hagerstown). ...Besides Miles Durham's 3-4 night, the other three SAL all-star position players in the game (Hickory: Bobby Spain; Greenville: Mike Jones and Yamaico Navarro) combined to go 1-13.
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South Atlantic League Stories from June 11, 2008
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