SAL1 Charleston Dirty Birds

McRae, Power Pitching Outlasts BlueClaws 4-0

Published on August 1, 2015 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Charleston Dirty Birds News Release


(Charleston, W.V. - August 1, 2015) - The West Virginia Power defeated the Lakewood BlueClaws 4-0 on Saturday afternoon at Appalachian Power Park. The victory was the Power's fifth straight, matching a season-best.

Pitching was strong for both sides early. Power starter Alex McRae retired the first eight batters he faced and finished the day with five shutout innings. His counterpart, Shane Watson, held West Virginia scoreless through the first four innings.

The fifth inning saw Elvis Escobar catch a fly ball, record an outfield assist to keep the game scoreless, and give West Virginia the first run of the game. The center fielder hit a two-out single to left to plate Chase Simpson.

The Power took a 2-0 lead in the sixth. Michael Suchy drew a one-out walk and scored on a double to center field off the bat of Jerrick Suiter.

West Virginia added their final two runs in the seventh inning. Taylor Gushue hit his team-best fourth triple of the season to center field and scored on Escobar's RBI triple. Escobar scored after a lengthy at bat from Jordan Luplow which resulted in a sac fly.

McRae (5-7) earned the win after he struck out two batters and allowed three hits. Shane Watson (1-3) suffered the loss despite a quality start.

Both Escobar and Suiter finished the day with three hits while Suchy extended his hit streak to seven games. Luplow's 17 on-base streak came to an end after he went 0-for-3.

West Virginia (25-10, 62-42) look for the four-game sweep against Lakewood (20-16, 53-51) on Sunday afternoon. RHP Colten Brewer (3-8, 4.96) will toe the rubber for the Power opposite of Lakewood RHP Will Morris (3-0, 2.10). First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. while pregame on Charleston's ESPN Radio 104.5 FM and 1490, the Power website, and the TuneIn Radio App is slated for 1:45 p.m.

Gates open for Sunday's game at 1 p.m for a Kids Sunday Funday at Appalachian Power Park. Prior to the game, all kids ages 12 and under can play catch on the field until 1:20 p.m. After the game, all kids can run the bases and select Power players will be available for a postgame autograph session.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.wvpower.com, call (304) 344-BATS (2287) or stop by the Power box office at 601 Morris Street.

Second Half Record 25-10 Overall Record 62-42

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 1, 2015


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