FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers take game one but drop the second game to Rockford

Published on August 4, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio- The Crushers split the double header as Lake Erie scored early and often to take game one, and the Aviators scored first and saw a great pitching performance carry them to victory in game two.

With the split, the Crushers (28-36) are 2-2 against the Aviators this season. The Aviators (39-28) are 6-4 in their last ten games.

In game one of the double header, the Crushers defeated the Aviators by a score of 5-1. The Crushers were able to get timely hits and some power to secure the victory.

In the first inning, the Crushers got on the board in a big way. Austin Prott led off the game because the Crushers were the acting visiting team as the game was postponed in Rockford. Prott singled and moved to second on a single to left by Juan Sanchez. Jose Barraza popped out to short and Anderson Hidalgo hit a fielder's choice that retired Sanchez. With runners on first and third, Chandler Brock walked to load the bases. Boo Vazquez then hit a two out, bases clearing double down the left field line to put the Crushers up three runs.

The Aviators then responded with a run in the fourth. Michael Hur singled and stole second. With one out, Devon Rodriguez then singled to left field to plate Hur and put the first Rockford run on the board.

In the fifth, the Crushers came right back. On a 1-2 count, Barraza was able to get a hold of a pitch and send it over the right field wall for his fourth home run of the season.

The Men of Crush would add one more in the seventh. Prott walked to start the inning and Sanchez singled to move Prott to second. Barraza then singled to score Prott and put the Crushers up by four runs. Eric Cendejas then relieved the Aviators starter, Tony Rizzotti (6-2) and was able to get the next three Crushers out to end the inning.

Zach Morton (4-2) started the game for the Crushers, going five strong innings and picking up the victory. He allowed one run on two hits and struck out two Aviators. Rizzotti allowed 10 hits and five earned runs while striking out seven. He picked up the loss.

In the second game, the Aviators got on the board quickly and rode a spectacular pitching performance by starter David Diaz (1-0) to a 4-0 victory.

In the second inning, Rockford was able to break the scoreless tie. With two outs, Justin Fox singled and moved to second as Collin Shaw walked. Hur then came up and hit a double to left to score both runners and open up a two run lead over the Crushers.

The Aviators would add two more runs of insurance in the third. Dusty Robinson walked with one out and moved to second on a walk to Brian Bistagne. Robinson would move to third on a double steal and Bistagne was tagged out between first and second. Again with two outs, Elijah Trail hit his seventh home run over the left field wall.

Diaz threw a complete game, going all seven innings, allowing only two hits and three baserunners overall, picking up the win in his debut. He also had a perfect game through 4 2/3 innings until Vazquez connected for single in the fifth. For the Crushers, starter Todd Kibby (1-2) only lasted 2 1/3 innings as he allowed three earned runs on three hits and four walks. Lake Erie's bullpen of Brad Duffy, Matt Brankle, Kolby Moore and Ladgie Zotkya did not allow a hit after the third inning.

The Crushers and Aviators will play again tomorrow at All Pro Freight Stadium. The Crushers will start left hander Brad Zambron (3-4, 4.03) and Rockford will go with lefty Payton Baskette (1-3, 7.41). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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 14 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2015 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 August 4, 2015


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