FL Lake Erie Crushers

Early Action Costs Crushers

June 19, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio - The Florence Freedom scored early and often at All Pro Freight Stadium on Tuesday night, and halted a late, Lake Erie rally, while taking the rubber match of the three game series in a 6-4 victory over the Crushers.

The loss for the Crushers (12-18) marks their fourth in their last five games, while the win for the Freedom (17-13) secured the series victory.

The Freedom put up five runs over the first four innings, before the Crushers got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Chris Curley's RBI single scored Junior Arrojo in the top of the first inning, and Curley came home on Peter Fatse's double.

Florence took a 3-0 lead in the top of the second. Ryan Skellie was hit by a pitch with one out in the second, moved to second on Pierre LePage's base hit, stole third, and scored on David Harris's sacrifice fly.

A pair of two out extra base hits added to the Florence advantage in the top of the fourth. Arrojo stroked a two out single and stole second base before coming home on Harris's double, and Harris scored on Curley's two bagger to put Florence out in front, 5-0.

The Crushers plated their first two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Andrew Davis started the inning with his first of two doubles on the night, and came home moments later on Russ Moldenhauer's two-bagger. Moldenhauer advanced to third on Jason Taylor's groundout, and scored on Kellen Kulbacki's sacrifice fly.

Florence got its final run in the seventh inning, when Curley struck again with a solo homer, his ninth of the season.

Lake Erie made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth. Brian Erie belted a one out single, and made his way to second after Robby Kuzdale walked. Davis then belted his second double of the game, scoring Erie and Kuzdale in the process. Moldenhauer was then hit by a pitch, putting the tying runs on base. Taylor then lined out to right field to end the game.

Eric Gonzalez-Diaz (1-4) suffered the loss, after allowing five runs, four earned on six hits over four innings. Sean Gregory (3-2) earned the victory, after allowing a pair of runs on six hits over five innings, and Jorge Marban (5) scored the save.

Kuzdale's walk in the ninth extended his on base streak to 18 games, while Adrian Ortiz went 1-for-5 with a single, bringing his hitting streak to 12 games in the process. Jason Taylor walked in the sixth inning and has now reached in 15 straight games. Erie, Davis, and Kulbacki all hit safely twice on the night.

The Crushers will begin a three game series against the London Rippers at Labatt Park on Wednesday night. Right hander Alex Loftin (1-0, 1.80) will start for the Crushers, and the Rippers will counter with right hander Jamie Richmond (3-1, 3.02). The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM.

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 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2011 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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Frontier League Stories from June 19, 2012


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