FL Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers Top Rascals; Trail Series 2-1

Published on September 20, 2009 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


Avon,OH-Down two games to nothing and facing elimination in the Frontier League Championship Series, the Lake Erie Crushers used two weapons that have been effective for them all year long: Paul Fagan and the home field advantage of All Pro Freight Stadium. Fagan pitched seven dominant innings to lead the Crushers to 3-1 win over River City in game three, but the Rascals still lead the best-of five series two games to one.

Fagan, who was the Frontier League's Most Valuable Pitcher in the regular season, worked seven innings and allowed just a run on five hits. He struck out three and walked two to pick up his first victory in the postseason. Alberto Rolon worked a scoreless eighth inning and J.J. Pacella got the final three outs for his second save in the playoffs.

The Crushers opened up the scoring in the first inning as Jodam Rivera walked and Drew Saylor followed with a two-run homer to left. The blast was Saylor's second home run of the postseason. The Crushers tacked on a run in the second inning as Tyler Johnson led off with a bunt single, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Eddie Tisdale. After the Crusher outburst in the first two innings, River City starter Daniel Howard settled down and threw five scoreless frames to keep his team in the game.

River City would finally get to Fagan in the sixth as Scott Houin led off the inning with a solo home run to right. JoJo Batten and Chad Maddox followed with consecutive singles, but Fagan was able to strike out Ernie Banks and then induce a double play grounder from Ryan Wehrle to get out of danger. "It's all about executing your pitches," said Fagan afterwards. "I realized after all of the hits that I can't be doing this and it caused me focus a lot more. It was a big confidence boost to strike out Banks and then get that ground ball."

The Rascals would not threaten again until the ninth inning when Banks led off with a single against Pacella. With one out in the inning, pinch-hitter Josh Banda hit a grounder to short and Jodam Rivera was able to force out Banks. The play was disputed by River City Manager Chad Parker, who felt that the throw pulled Drew Saylor off of second base. Parker ended up being ejected from the game by umpire Jim Schaly. Pacella got the final out of the game to complete the Crusher victory.

The Crushers will look to draw even in the series on Monday night at 7:05 at All Pro Freight Stadium. Brent Lysander will make the start against Stephen Flake. "In shorts series you run on bursts of momentum," said Manager John Massarelli. "If we were able to turn it around on our side a little, well that's what you need to do to win series." Tickets for game four are available at the Lake Erie Crushers box office, online at lakeeriecrushers.com, or by calling (440) 934-3636.

The Lake Erie Crushers are the newest expansion team in the Frontier League, an independent professional league with 12 teams throughout the Midwest. The team plays its home games at All Pro Freight Stadium, the new 5,000 capacity ballpark located at the intersection of I-90 and Route 611 in Avon. Season tickets and Mini-plans 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 20, 2009


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