SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Long balls doom BlueClaws in 8-5 loss to Greensboro

Published on May 15, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


GREENSBORO, N.C. - It was a familiar story on Thursday night for the BlueClaws at NewBridge Bank Park, as Lakewood took a three-run lead before giving it away in a 8-5 loss to Greensboro.

The 'Claws took a 5-2 lead behind the strength of two- RBIs from Derrick Mitchell and a pair of Matt Rizzotti runs, but the Grasshoppers scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh to capture a four-game series sweep.

The BlueClaws (19-21) led in each of the four losses by at least three runs, but could never preserve the leads.

Greensboro got six of their seven runs via the home run, including a controversial two-run shot in the seventh. With Ryan Anetsberger at first base, Tom Hickman hit a ball high to the corner that appeared be caught by Dominic Brown. But the umpires ruled it a home run, Hickman's second of the game, and it cut the BlueClaws lead to 5-4.

Anetsberger and Ryan Curry also went deep for the 'Hoppers (23-17). Three of the home runs came against BlueClaws starter Drew Naylor, who gave up five earned runs on five hits in six innings. The right- hander, who led all of Minor League Baseball in strikeouts entering the game, struck out just three.

Ben Pfinsgraff (0-2) relieved Naylor in the seventh and gave up three runs in 1 1/3 innings. Sergio Escalona also appeared, firing 2/3 innings scoreless baseball.

The BlueClaws took an early lead by scoring single runs in three innings and a pair in the third. The biggest rally came courtesy of back-to-back hits from D'Arby Myers and Mitchell. Michael Taylor also added a base hit to drive in Mitchell and extend his hitting streak to nine games.

The 'Claws leftfielder had a hit streak of ten games earlier this season.

The Grasshoppers announced starter Kyle Kaminska was held on the bench until the third inning. Matt Mallory made the start one day after being called up from extended Spring Training and gave up one run in two innings. Kaminska gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings, but did not factor in the decision.

Steve Cishek (1-0) took the win, while Garrett Parcell earned his 11th save of the season.

The BlueClaws will look to break their four-game losing streak on Friday when they return to FirstEnergy Park to take on the West Virginia Power. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with post-game fireworks to follow, courtesy of Toyota and Scion World of Lakewood.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 15, 2008


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