'Dads Open Season with 8-3 Win
Published on April 3, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
Hickory, NC - The Hickory Crawdads started the 2014 season with an impressive all-around win Thursday night, with the 'Dads pounding 14 hits to back a dominant bullpen in an 8-3 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers at NewBridge Bank Park.
The Crawdads fell behind early in the contest when the Grasshoppers scored in each of the first three innings to put the 'Dads behind 3-1. Everything changed in the fifth however, as the 'Dads began a 7-0 run that saw the Hickory bats attack a vulnerable Greensboro pen while the 'Dads hurlers buckled down.
The 'Dads scored once in the fifth on an RBI single by DH Eduard Pinto, before exploding for four runs on four hits in the 6th to take a 6-3 lead they would never relinquish. Eight total 'Dads came to the plate in the decisive frame, with Nick Vickerson, Luis Marte and Pinto all driving in runs on doubles.
That proved to be more than enough support for the Hickory pen, led by right-hander Collin Wiles who tossed three shutout frames with two strikeouts, two hits and one walk. Wiles was followed by Ryne Slack, Yohander Mendez, and Abel De Los Santos, all of whom tossed a scoreless inning of relief.
The Crawdads would tack on a pair of runs in the eighth and ninth on RBIs from Lewis Brinson and Nomar Mazara, to finish the scoring at 8-3.
Every 'Dads starter had at least one hit, paced by Pinto and Marte who each went 3-5 with a pair of RBIs. Vickerson also had a good night at the dish, going 2-4 with a double, two RBIs, a walk and a run.
Wiles (1-0) earned the win in relief for the Crawdads, while Greensboro reliever Miguel Del Pozo (0-1) took the loss after allowing all 4 'Dads runs in the 6th. Hickory starting pitcher Cole Wiper earned a no-decision after allowing three runs on five hits, one walk, and 4 Ks over his three innings pitched.
The win gives the Crawdads a 1-0 record to start the year while the Grasshoppers fall to 0-1. The two teams will meet up again on Friday for game two of the 4-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00.
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