Crushers take series opener in 5-4 win over Joliet
May 20, 2015 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release
JOLIET, Ill.-- The Lake Erie Crushers used a hot start to win their first road game of the season, in a 5-4 victory over the Joliet Slammers at Silver Cross Field on Tuesday night.
The win for the Crushers (2-2) is their second in a row after starting the year with back-to-back losses, while the loss for the Slammers (0-4) leaves them still in search of their first win this season.
After being held to just two runs on nine hits in their first two games of the season, the Crusher offense has taken off over the last two games, as they've scored 10 runs on 22 hits.
Lake Erie's offense went to work early, scoring twice in the top of the first inning. On the first pitch of the game, Trevor Stevens ripped a double down the right field line. Moments later, Anderson Hidalgo and Joey Burney belted back-to-back RBI singles to give the Crushers an early 2-0 lead.
Ty Nelson, who had a pair of hits in the contest, stroked a one out single to start a fire in the fourth inning. Justin Cureton followed with a base hit, before Stevens was hit with a pitch to loaded the bases. Juan Sanchez then delivered the biggest hit of the game, as he cleared the bases with a three-run double to the gap in left center.
From that point forward, Slammer reliever Andrew Strenge held the Crushers to just a pair of hits, while the Slammers took advantage of five Lake Erie errors to get back into the contest.
Jack Cleary brought in Joliet's first run of the game on a two-out RBI double in the bottom of the fourth inning, before former Crusher Max Casper reached on Anderson Hidalgo's fielding error at third, which allowed another run to score.
Nate Roberts walked to start the fifth inning, before stealing second, and he scored as former Crusher Russ Moldenhauer reached on a two-out throwing error by Sanchez at short. Moldenhauer came through for the Slammers again in the seventh inning, as he delivered a one out RBI single to center. On the play, Cureton threw out Chris Serritella at home plate from center field to keep the Crushers in front.
Brad Duffy (2-0) scored the victory for the Crushers, tossing 1.1 innings of scoreless one-hit relief, while Trevor Longfellow (2) tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless relief to grab the save. Hunter Adkins started for the Crushers, and allowed three unearned runs on five hits over 4.2 innings while fanning five, but did not get the decision.
Three Crushers hit safely multiple times. Burney led the way, going 3-for-4, while Nelson had a pair of knocks, and Stevens set the table with his third consecutive two-hit performance.
The Crushers will continue their three-game series with the Joliet Slammers at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, Ill., on Wednesday morning. Righty Jason Wilson (0-1, 4.76) will throw for the Crushers and the Slammers will counter with right-hander Jordan Guth (0-1, 9.00). The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 AM.
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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