SAL1 Hickory Crawdads

Crawdads take a Molleken in 5-2

Published on May 8, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release


Looking to avoid its first seven-game losing streak in more than a year, Hickory turned to starter Dustin Molleken for an answer Thursday night and he delivered six no-hit innings in a 5-2 victory. The Crawdads, who last lost seven straight from April 20-26 of 2007, were never in danger of matching that string with Molleken on the hill against Savannah.

The right-hander, who had struggled in allowing nine home runs in his last four starts, showed no signs of his recent mound troubles with masterful command of his low 90s fastball and slider/change-up combination.

In all, Molleken threw six hitless innings, walking none and striking out seven. Two runners reached against Molleken via error and hit batsmen, but a double play and caught stealing ensured the Saskatchewan native would face the minimum in his six frames of work.

Molleken would have to leave the game because lightning in the area delayed action between the sixth and seventh innings for 1:26.

By the time the delay hit, Hickory (16-19) already held a 4-0 lead over Savannah (13-21).

Miles Durham hit a first-inning two-run homer -- his fifth long ball of the year -- to put the Crawdads ahead early. Bobby Spain's two-run single in the fourth would give Molleken all the run support he needed.

Savannah would stage a mini rally in the ninth inning, scoring two runs and bringing the tying run to the plate in Jordan Abruzzo. Hickory's Tom Boleska would enter with two outs, though, inducing a ground out to third by Abruzzo to end the game.

Molleken earned the win to improve to 3-2 on the year. Boleska threw five pitches to earn his first save.

Savannah starter Elvin Ramirez dropped to 3-2 with the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) and seven hits in five innings.

Durham finished 3-for-4 with his home run for Hickory. Spain finished 2-for-4 with his two RBIs. Marcus Davis reached twice on walks and scored both times.

The Crawdads and Sand Gnats meet again Friday night, with first pitch set for 7. It will be a pitching rematch of the first meeting of the year between the clubs, with Hickory RHP Rafael De Los Santos (1-2, 4.55 ERA) taking on Savannah LHP Angel Calero (0-4, 2.32), who allowed five unearned runs to the 'Dads in Hickory's 13-6 win April 29.

GAME NOTES: Game time was 2:30, plus the 1:26 delay. Attendance was 1,587. ...Durham's home run matched him with Davis and Erik Huber for the team lead with five each. ...Molleken fell one strikeout shy of the team high for the Crawdads this season, which Molleken himself had with eight his first start of the year (April 6 vs. West Virginia). ...Shortstop Jose De Los Santos went 0-for-5 for the first time this season. ...Hickory is now 12-4 when they score first in a game.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 8, 2008


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