NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Knapp Strikes Out Ten, but the BlueClaws Fall to the Shorebirds

April 10, 2009 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, NJ - The BlueClaws made progress from their season opener as they collected ten hits, but the lack of hits with runners in scoring position kept the BlueClaws (0-2) off the scoreboard in a 3-1 loss to the Delmarva Shorebirds. The BlueClaws equaled their hitting with runners in scoring position from the first game as they went 1-for-6.

Jason Knapp, a second round draft choice went 5.2 innings and baffled Shorebirds hitters as he set a career high in strikeouts with ten. He lit up the radar gun, touching 97 miles per hour once, along with a slider that he spotted nicely. Knapp (0-1) allowed three hits and two runs in his first start of the season. Knapp was relieved by Justin De Fratus, who pitched for Williamsport last season, as he went 1.1 innings.

The Shorebirds got ahead of the BlueClaws in the third inning as catcher Luis Bernardo doubled to right field, setting the table for Greg Miclat to single him home with two outs. They scored again in the sixth inning after Knapp exited the game, with an RBI triple off the bat of Joe Mahoney. In the eighth, the 'Birds scored as Xavier Avery came home from third on a wild pitch from Ryan Ariail. This season, all five runs the Shorebirds have scored have come with two outs.

The BlueClaws got on the board with their first home run of the season and it came off the bat of second baseman Jesus Villegas. Villegas took a Raul Rivero (1-0) offering out to left field which tied the game at one, but the BlueClaws hitting with runners in scoring position has let them down.

The BlueClaws had opportunities in both the fifth and seventh innings, but Zach Collier was unable to bring a runner home as he left a combined five runners on base.

Lefty Cole McCurry started the game for the Shorebirds as they received another strong outing on the mound. McCurry went four innings and allowed just four hits while recording three strikeouts. Eddie Gamboa relieved Rivero, who pitched until the sixth and didn't allow a run. Joe Esposito picked up the save with a clean ninth inning.

First baseman James Murphy led the BlueClaws, who had nine hits, with three singles. He also reached a fourth time with a walk.

The BlueClaws look to get on track and pick up their first win of the season on Saturday as Rob Roth will toe the rubber for the 4:05 start. Roth will be opposed by Ryan O'Shea, the first righty starter the BlueClaws have faced this season.

Check out the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Statistics

• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...

South Atlantic League Stories from April 10, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central