SAL1 Hickory Crawdads

'Dads outdone by Grasshoppers

Published on August 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hickory Crawdads News Release


With major leaguer Adam LaRoche in the lineup and Bryan Morris on the mound, Hickory had all the makings of a win over Greensboro Monday night, but the Crawdads would succumb, 7-6. LaRoche, making a rehab start for the Pittsburgh Pirates, did his part in going 2-for-3 with a mammoth solo home run to tie the game in the third inning.

Morris, who tossed five shutout innings his last start for Hickory, struggled in allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks in 4.2 innings.

And yet the Crawdads (15-35, 45-75) still had a chance to win with a ninth-inning comeback.

In a game that saw four lead changes and three ties in the first five innings, Hickory entered the ninth down 7-5. After a Jordy Mercer RBI single scored Tom Hagan and put runners at first and third with one away, Austin McClune came to the dish with a chance to play the hero.

One week to the day after driving in the game-tying hit in Hickory's only ninth-inning, walk-off win of the season, McClune could not deliver a second time as he grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the game.

With the defeat, Hickory is now 1-13 in its last 14 home games and the 'Dads have dropped 22 of their last 26.

Greensboro (19-31, 57-63) lived up to its slugging reputation in the win, as the team that leads the league in home runs socked three of them in victory. League leader Mike Stanton hit home runs number 31 and 32 -- both solo shots -- and Matt Dominguez hit a two-run shot in the sixth inning to pace the Grasshoppers.

Morris took the loss for Hickory, dropping to 0-1. Starter Brett Durand was one of five pitchers on the night for Greensboro and earned the win, improving to 9-5. He allowed three runs (all earned) on seven hits in five innings. Nick McCurdy earned his second save of the year in the ninth.

In addition to LaRoche's tape-measure blast and additional single, Hickory received a 3-for-5 night from Erik Huber, who scored and drove in a run. Mercer and Keanon Simon also had two base hits apiece for the 'Dads, while Joey Munoz paced the team with two RBIs.

The teams reconvene Tuesday night at 7 for game two of the series. Hickory sends RHP Duke Welker (3-10, 5.00 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Bryan Evans (5-7, 6.25 ERA).

It's All-U-Can-Eat Tuesdays at L.P. Frans Stadium, featuring all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos and popcorn for a set ticket price.

For tickets and more information, call the Crawdads at (828) 322-3000 or visit www.hickorycrawdads.com.

GAME NOTES: Game time was 2:53. Attendance was 1,272. ...Adam LaRoche was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 28 with a strain of the right rib cage. He is expected to be in Hickory's lineup again Tuesday night. ...Relief pitcher Emilis Guerrero set a new season high for most relief innings by a Crawdad with his 4.1 frames of work. The previous high of 3.2 innings was set by Victor Igsema the previous day. ...Hickory now trails its season series with Greensboro three games to two. ...The last time the Crawdads won a homestand opener was May 13 against Columbus. ...Brett Durand's home run allowed to LaRoche broke a tie with former Crawdad Dustin Molleken for most homers allowed in the league this season. Durand now owns the mark with 22 gopher balls served. ...In a battle of two pitching staffs who have allowed the third- and second-most hits

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 11, 2008


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