Crushers blanked in series opener
July 6, 2018 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release
AVON, Ohio - The Lake Erie Crushers, presented by Mercy Health, could not capitalize on a couple of early chances to score, and lost their sixth straight game, dropping a 4-0 decision to the Florence Freedom on Friday night at Sprenger Healthcare Stadium.
The loss for the Crushers (25-23) was their sixth in a row, their longest losing streak of the season, while the Freedom (24-24) have now won three of their last four overall.
The Crushers hit safely three times in the first two innings, recording a pair of doubles and a base hit, but could not cash in on those early chances to score.
Florence took a 1-0 lead on a pair of two out hits in the top of the fourth inning. Xavier Turner smacked a single, stole second base, and scored moments later on Ricky Ramirez Jr.'s RBI triple to the gap in right-center.
The Freedom would ring in two more runs on another two out base hit in the top of the seventh inning. Jimmy Heck reached on a walk and advanced to third on Caleb Lopes's double down the line in left. Jordan Brower followed Lopes with a two run single through the left side of the infield to give the Freedom a 3-0 advantage.
Florence tacked on one more run in the top of the eighth. Turner reached on a one out single to right before stealing second, and advanced to third on an errant throw from the catcher, Mason Brown. Keivan Berges drove him home moments later on a RBI groundout.
Former Crusher and Lakewood native Jordan Kraus (4-4) went the distance, tossing a complete game shutout. He allowed just six hits along the way and struck out seven while issuing just one free pass. Sean Renzi (5-3) pitched well but took the loss. He surrendered three runs on seven hits while walking three and fanning two over seven innings of work.
Dustin Williams led the Lake Erie offense with a pair of hits, going 2-for-3 with a double and a single. Aaron Hill reached two times, going 1-for-3 and has now reached safely in 15 games.
The Crushers will continue their three game series against the Florence Freedom at Sprenger Healthcare Stadium on Saturday night. Right-hander Alex Romero (4-3, 4.39) will get the start for the Crushers and righty Christian DeLeon (0-0, 0.00) will start for the Freedom. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.
The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, and 2011 Frontier League Organization of the year, play ball at Sprenger Health Care Stadium, a 5,000 capacity stadium located in Avon, Ohio. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.
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