FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers Shutout In Series Finale

Published on July 4, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio - One night after leaving 12 men on base in a one run loss, the Lake Erie Crushers stranded 11 base runners on Monday evening, in front of a crowd of 4,633 fans at All Pro Freight Stadium, as they fell to the River City Rascals, 1-0.

For the Crushers, (18-24) the loss marked just the second time that they've been blanked this season. The victory for the Rascals, (30-12) makes them the first team to reach 30 victories in the Frontier League this season.

The lone run of the contest was scored in the top of the fourth inning. Chad Maddox roped a double to start the frame, and he scored moments later on Stephen Holdren's base hit through the right side of the infield.

The two teams hit into a combined five double plays on the night, including three inning ending twin killings. The Crushers had the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, when Kyle Boe bounced into a 1-2-3 double play to end the frame.

Two innings before that big twin killing, the Crushers had the bases loaded with one out, when River City starting pitcher Josh Lowey (3-2) struck out Kyle Shaffer and Chris Luick to end the threat.

Luick began the bottom of the ninth inning with a base it to left center field. Boe laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to second base, and he advanced to third on a wild pitch, putting the tying run just 90 feet away with one down, but Derrick Miramontes (7) responded by striking out Patrick Norris, and got Jodam Rivera to ground out to first base, ending the contest.

The 1-0 loss spoiled a great start by lefty Paul Fagan (3-5). Fagan went seven innings, and allowed just a run on four hits with four strikeouts, and was tagged with the loss. Kelyn Schellenberg and Ruben Flores each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

Lowey earned the victory for River City, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing seven hits and striking out five. Kirkland Rivers and Brandon Cunniff combined to keep the Crushers off the board in the seventh and eighth, before Miramontes slammed the door in the ninth for his seventh save of the season.

Andrew Davis paced the Crushers offensively, going 3-for-4 with a trio of singles. Luick was the only other Crusher to hit safely multiple times, going 2-for-4 with a pair of base hits. Davis has now reached in 13 consecutive games. Kellen Kulbacki extended his hitting streak to nine games, and his on base streak to 15 games after going 1-for-4 with a base hit. The Crushers out hit the Rascals, 9-5, but all nine Crusher hits were base knocks.

The Crushers will begin a three game series on the road against the Gateway Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Lake Erie's starting pitcher has not been announced, but the Grizzlies will throw right hander Brad Stone (0-2, 7.23).The first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 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, OH. 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 July 4, 2011


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