Kines' Strong Start Propels Crushers over Windy City
July 17, 2022 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release
Crestwood, Ill. - After falling in the series opener, Lake Erie (27-30) picked up a win in game two to even the series. Windy City (23-33) looked to avoid another series loss to the Crushers in 2022.
Both teams showcased strong starting pitching performances but Lake Erie scored three unanswered runs to take the lead behind Gunnar Kines impressive outing on the mound 3-1.
The first run of the game was scored in the third inning. Windy City took an early lead with a Jake Boone RBI single to left field.
Lake Erie used three consecutive one run innings to take the lead starting with the sixth inning. Casey Combs lined an RBI double down right field to tie the game. Next inning later Kenen Irizarry followed with an RBI double to right field, giving the Crushers their first lead. The Crushers added an insurance run in the seventh inning. Connor Owings continued his hot bat over the course of the month with an RBI single to right field. Owings recorded another multi-hit performance in the win with three hits.
Both starters provided positive things to build off right before the All-Star break. For Windy City, Garrett Christman threw four scoreless innings but ran into trouble after that. Overall, he lasted six innings, allowed five hits, two runs, zero walks, and four strikeouts. For Lake Erie, Gunnar Kines shined in an impressive performance. The lefty lasted seven innings, allowed three hits, one run, two walks, and struck out eight.
Lake Erie led by two entering the eight inning. Sam Curtis was once again nails out of the bullpen for the Crushers. Curtis threw a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two batters. Going into the ninth, Crusher closer Alexis Rviero was called out of the bullpen for the second straight game. This time it was for a save opportunity. Rivero shut the door down, one, two, three inning with two strikeouts, propelling the Crushers to their second consecutive series win before the All-Star break.
The Crushes will return to action on Friday, July 22 against the Ottawa Titans for Lake Erie's first trip to Canada. Be sure to be on the watch for the All-Star game as Joseph Sgambelluri, the lone Crusher player representative will appear.
Frontier League Stories from July 17, 2022
- ValleyCats RHP Kumar Rocker Drafted Third Overall by Texas Rangers in 2022 MLB Draft - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Washington's Late Offense the Difference in Finale - Washington Wild Things
- Otters Come up on the Wrong Side in Loss to Wild Things - Evansville Otters
- Grizzlies and Boomers Postponed - Gateway Grizzlies
- Boomers Rained out in Series Finale - Schaumburg Boomers
- ThunderBolts Drop Pitchers' Duel - Windy City ThunderBolts
- Kines' Strong Start Propels Crushers over Windy City - Lake Erie Crushers
- Tri-City Swept by Jackals - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Titans Encounter Early Deficit, Fall in Extras to Wrap up First Half - Ottawa Titans
- Y'alls-Slammers Suspended in Third Inning - Florence Y'alls
- Crushers Comebacks Late to Even Series - Lake Erie Crushers
- O'Reilly Pitches Strong, Otters Fall in Middle Game - Evansville Otters
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