SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Durant drives in game-winner in 4-2 victory over Greenville

Published on July 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws have made a habit of playing dramatic baseball and there was no exception on Friday night at FirstEnergy Park. Lakewood scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth after being shutout for the first seven to secure a 4-2 victory over the Greenville Drive, the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Greenville starter Terumasa Matsuo limited Lakewood to three hits over six innings, but the BlueClaws roughed up relievers Kyle Fernandes and Javier Garcia to secure the come-from-behind win. Lakewood has now won 11 of their last 13 games to move to a season-best 12 games over .500.

Mike Durant drove in the winning runs with a two-out base hit with the bases loaded against Garcia. The 'Claws had tied the game up one batter earlier when Fernandes (2-1) issued a bases loaded walk to Karl Bolt.

The BlueClaws rally may not have been possible without Fernandes' inability to locate. The southpaw walked four in just 1 2/3 innings, including a pair of free passes with the bases loaded. His full-count walk to Tim Kennelly earlier in the eighth put the BlueClaws on the board for the first time.

The late offensive surge seemingly came from nowhere, as the BlueClaws were completely flustered by Matsuo. The Japanese right-hander, who signed with the Red Sox prior to this season, was able to consistently locate four pitches for strikes. He fanned a career-best nine hitters, while walking just one.

Somewhat lost in the comeback was another solid start by Vance Worley. The 2008 3rd rounder, gave up just two runs on three singles and a walk. He struck out five Greenville hitters.

The bullpen also put together yet another solid performance. Zack Sterner (7-1) pitched two scoreless innings to keep the BlueClaws within reach. The win vaulted the right-handed reliever into first place in the category.

Jared Simon gave up a lead-off base hit in the top of the ninth, but got a flyout and a doubleplay to nail down the win. Simon has converted his last eight save opportunities and has not given up a run in his last 12 appearances. The BlueClaws turned three doubleplays in the last four innings.

Greenville got out to an early lead against Worley with a first inning run. Red Bank-native Ryan Kalish singled and stole second before Yamaico Navarro singled home.

The game was played in front of a crowd of 9,118 at FirstEnergy Park, the third highest attendance of all time. It was the largest crowd in Lakewood since 9,415 visited the ballpark on July 14, 2006.

Lakewood (14-8, 52-40) will try to make it five wins in a row on Saturday night at 7:05 in the second game of the four game series with the Drive (8-14, 48-44). Julian Sampson (5-2) makes the start for the BlueClaws, while right-hander Chad Povich will take the hill for Greenville.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 11, 2008


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