FL Lake Erie Crushers

Long ball costs Crushers in 4-1 loss

Published on May 16, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio -- The Southern Illinois Miners used another strong pitching performance, and a three-run homer in the fifth inning to take the second game of the series against the Lake Erie Crushers, 4-1, on Saturday night at All Pro Freight Stadium.

The loss for the Crushers (0-2) was their fifth in a row against the Miners (1-0) at All Pro Freight Stadium dating back to last season.

For the second night in a row, Lake Erie fell victim to a terrific pitching performance from Southern Illinois. Right-hander Adam Lopez (1-0), turned in a great performance, holding the Crushers to just a run on four hits, while fanning eight over seven innings.

The Miners used back-to-back doubles at the start of the second inning to plate their first run of the contest. Wendell Fairley began the inning with a two-bagger down the line in left, and he scored moments later on Niko Vasquez's double to the gap in left center.

Southern Illinois broke the game open, with their third homerun of the series in the fifth inning to take a 4-0 advantage. Ryan DiMascio started the inning with a single, and advanced to second on a walk issued to Aaron Gates, setting up a three-run homer from Frank Martinez.

The Miners were kept off the board by the Crusher bullpen from that point forward, but as it turned out, they had all they would need. The Crushers scored their only run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Joey Burney walked to start the inning, before wild pitches put him on third base. Trevor Stevens then stroked a RBI double to left, to plate Lake Erie's only run of the contest.

Lopez came away with the win for the Miners while Will Rankin (2) worked a perfect ninth inning to score his second save in as many nights. Brad Zambron (0-1) took the loss for the Crushers, after allowing four runs on four hits over 4.1 innings of work.

For the second straight night, the Lake Erie bullpen did not allow a run. Brad Duffy, Kolby Moore, Rob Blanc and Trevor Longfellow combined to toss 4.2 innings of scoreless relief. In their first two games of the season, the Lake Erie bullpen has tossed nine scoreless innings.

Stevens was the only Crusher to hit safely multiple times on the night, as he delivered a 2-for-4 performance with a base hit and a double.

The Crushers will finish their three-game series with the Southern Illinois Miners at All Pro Freight Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Lefty Peter Gehle (0-0, 0.00) will throw for the Crushers and the Miners will counter with right-hander Miguel Ramirez (0-0, 0.00). The first pitch is scheduled for 2:05 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 14 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2015 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 May 16, 2015


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