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FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers Go Fourth

May 22, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


NORMAL, Ill. - The Lake Erie Crushers plated four runs, all with two outs in the fourth inning of Tuesday night's contest at the Corn Crib, and scored their first victory of the season, defeating the Normal Cornbelters, 4-2.

The Crushers (1-3) were held hitless through the first three innings, but scored four runs on five hits in the fourth. The Cornbelters (1-2) had the bases loaded with nobody out in their half of the fourth, but could only push a pair of runs across.

Lake Erie was unable to do much against Normal staring pitcher, Daniel Britt (0-1), who was in control over the first three innings. The Crushers had just two base runners before their eruption in the fourth.

Russ Moldenhauer smashed a one out double to left-center, and made his way to third two batters later on an infield single from Adrian Ortiz. Kellen Kulbacki then broke the scoreless tie with a triple down the right field line to score Moldenhauer and Ortiz. Rogelio Noris followed with a run scoring double, and he came home moments later on Kyle Shaffer's base hit to center.

The Cornbelters had a chance to even the score in the bottom of the inning. Walks issued to Pat Trettle and Robert Brooks sandwiched a single from Joe Rosa, bringing the tying run to the plate with nobody out. Derek Luciano drove in the first run on a sacrifice fly.

Pat McKenna reached on a bunt base hit to load the bases for the Cornbelters once again, and Ruben Sierra Jr.'s sacrifice fly brought Rosa home to cut the deficit to two (4-2). Randy Sturgill worked his way out of the inning, getting Alvaro Ramirez to pop out with the tying runs aboard.

The Crushers' bullpen was sensational. Trevor Longfellow (1-0) allowed just two men to reach over three and a third, keeping the two run lead in tact. The game ended with the tying run at the plate. Jonathan Kountis (1) slammed the door on the Cornbelters by striking out Ramirez with a runner on second to seal the deal.

Longfellow earned the victory, allowing no runs on just a hit and a walk over three and a third innings of relief. Kountis secured his first save of the season, as he sat down five out of the six batters he faced to preserve the two-run lead. Britt suffered the loss, after allowing four runs on five hits over four innings.

Seven players hit safely for the Crushers, with batters 3-9 in the order counting for the seven hits on the night. The bottom third of the order, Kulbacki, Noris and Shaffer produced all three runs scoring hits with two outs. Jason Taylor reached on a single in the sixth inning, and has reached in every game this season.

The Crushers will continue their three game series with the Normal Cornbelters at The Corn Crib on Wednesday night. Left hander Paul Fagan (0-1, 5.40) will take the mound for the Crushers, and the Cornbelters will counter with right hander Tyler Lavigne (1-0, 0.00). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, and 2011 Frontier League Organization of the year, 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 May 22, 2012


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