FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers down 0-2 in series after 3-1 loss

Published on September 8, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


JOLIET, Ill. - The Lake Erie Crushers came out on the losing end of a pitcher's duel at Silver Cross Field on Thursday night, as the Joliet Slammers took a 2-0 lead in the best of five series with a 3-1 victory.

Lake Erie right-hander Eric Gonzalez-Diaz (0-1) struck out 10 batters on the night and allowed just two runs on five hits through seven strong innings, but ended up with the loss.

The two runs Gonzalez-Diaz surrendered came on solo homeruns. Hector Pellot hit his with two outs in the bottom of the first inning to put the Slammers on the board, and Brandon Peters's solo homerun came in the bottom of the third to snap a 1-1 tie.

The Crushers got their lone run in the top of the third. Kyle Boe and Chris Luick began the inning on back-to-back base hits. Jereme Milons bunted them over to third and second respectively, and Boe scored on Jason Taylor's two-out single to left.

The Slammers added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. Josh Flores started the inning with a bunt base hit, and moved to second on Brad Netzel's sacrifice bunt. A passed ball moved Flores to third, and he scored on Erik Lis's groundout.

Joliet right-hander Tommy Mendoza (1-0) held the Crushers in check through seven innings. He allowed just a run on six hits with three strikeouts for the win.

The Crushers had few chances to score after the third. They had their best chance in the sixth inning. Evan Sharpley drilled a one out double down the right field line, but was picked off at second base moments later, and on the next pitch, Brian Erie lined out to Sean Estand at third base to end the inning.

After a one hour and four minute rain delay in the top of the ninth inning, Lake Erie threatened tie things up in the final frame. Facing Ryan Quigley, who set the Frontier League record for saves in a season with 28, the Crushers had two on, with only one out, but Quigley struck out Boe and Luick grounded out to end the game, giving Quigley his second save of the series.

The Lake Erie offense was held to seven hits on the night. In his first game back since Aug. 21, Sharpley went 2-for-4 with a double and a single, and Luick turned in a multi hit game as well, also going 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.

The Crushers will face off against the Joliet Slammers in game three of the best of five series on Saturday night at All Pro Freight Stadium. Right-hander Josh Roberts (10-6, 3.97) will get the start for the Crushers and the Slammers will counter with right-hander Jeremy Tietze (7-1, 4.61). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight 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. Season tickets for the 2011 season are on sale now! 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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Frontier League Stories from September 8, 2011


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