Crawford Cruises, Bats Come Alive in 7-0 Win

Published on May 31, 2007 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release

May 31, New Britain, CT - New Britain's Tristan Crawford started off strong with three quick outs in the first inning and didn't miss a beat after a lengthy rain delay. The Australian native was nearly perfect in a 7-0 shutout over Binghamton.

Crawford (5-3) was perfect through the first five innings and went on to throw seven shutout innings. He allowed just one hit and one walk - both in the sixth - and struck out nine.

Meanwhile, the Rock Cats pounded out 13 hits, led by Trevor Plouffe (3-for-5, 3 RBI) and David Winfree (2-for-4, double, triple).

Felix Molina led off the bottom of the first off with a triple and scored on a groundout by Plouffe for a 1-0 lead before lightening forced the umpires to call the players off the field before the start of the second inning. The teams returned to the field at 9:30 P.M. to begin the second inning.

The Rock Cats struck again in the third. Plouffe doubled to center field before scoring on Brian Buscher's single. Brock Peterson followed with a two-run blast to left field for a 4-0 lead.

Crawford's attempt at perfection looked to be over when Jose Coronado laced a ball to right field to lead off the top of the sixth. Coronado missed first base, though, and Matt Allegra fired the ball into Plouffe who threw to Peterson at first to retire Coronado. Fate appeared to be on Crawford's side, but he then allowed a double to Mike Nickeas to break up the perfect game and no-hitter.

Brandon Roberts added an RBI double and scored on another Plouffe RBI groundout in the sixth. Plouffe also had an RBI single in the eighth. Jay Sawatski and Frank Mata added two innings of scoreless relief.

Eastern League Stories from May 31, 2007

• Nickeas Has Both Of B-Mets' Hits In Shutout Loss - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Crawford Cruises, Bats Come Alive in 7-0 Win - New Britain Rock Cats
• Zink Stifles Defenders as Portland Takes Two of Three - Connecticut Defenders
• Fisher Cats fall to Thunder, 11-3 - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Sea Dogs Complete Series Win With 7-1 Victory at Connecticut - Portland Sea Dogs
• Reading Falls to Bowie, 5-3 - Reading Fightin Phils
• Thunder Thump Fisher Cats, 11-3 - Trenton Thunder
• Sea Dogs Next Homestand - Portland Sea Dogs
• Altoona Curve's three millionth fan - Altoona Curve
• Bases Loaded Walk Enough For Curve To Take Another From Akron, 5-4 - Altoona Curve
• B-Mets Upcoming Homestand - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• B-Mets & BC Transit Launch Free Bus Service For Select Fireworks Games - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Sea Dogs Game Notes - Portland Sea Dogs
• Pre-Concert Festivites Announced For June 10 Gin Blossoms Show - Altoona Curve

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent New Britain Rock Cats Stories

• Rock Cats to Hold Season Ending Blowout Sale Tomorrow and Friday
• Dramatic Patterson Walk-Off HR Lifts Lid off New Britain Stadium in Rock Cats Finale
• Déja Vu: Morneau's Homer Wins It for Rock Cats
• Rock Cats Set New Single Game Attendance Record at New Britain Stadium 8,672
• Morneau Returns Before Record Crowd, But Cats Lose