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FL Lake Erie Crushers

Otters use four run eighth inning to avoid Crushers sweep

June 7, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Lake Erie Crushers failed in their attempt to sweep the Evansville Otters on Thursday night, as the Otters snapped a 1-1 tie by scoring four times in the eighth inning, to take a 5-1 decision at Bosse Field.

The loss for the Crushers (7-11) spoiled their second opportunity at a road sweep this season, while the victory for the Otters (7-11), was their first at home in nearly two weeks.

The loss also spoiled a terrific start by Trevor Longfellow, who allowed just a run on five hits, and fanned seven over five and two-thirds.

The Otters took their first lead of the series in the bottom of the first inning. Matt Sheely stroked a leadoff double, and came home a few moments later on Nick Schwaner's two out double.

The Crushers answered two innings later with a big two out hit of their own. Kyle Weldon reached on an infield single to start the inning, and Gered Mochizuki moved him to second base on a sacrifice bunt. With two down, Robby Kuzdale belted a single to left center to score Weldon, tying the game at 1-1.

Both teams had chances to snap the 1-1 tie before the Otters broke it open in the eighth. The Crushers left runners in scoring position in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. The Otters left a trio of runners in scoring position in innings 4-6.

Evansville plated four runs on four hits in the eighth inning. Frank Martinez belted a leadoff double and scored the go ahead run a few moments later. Schwaner hit a one hopper to Davis at short. The ball took a bizarre hop at the last second, hitting off of Davis's left side and re-directed into right field, resulting in a run scoring single.

The Otters added three more. DeAngelo Mack followed Schwaner's single with a walk, and Brett Chamberlain reached on a bunt base hit to load the bases. Schwaner came home on a wild pitch, before Andrew Kuhn capped the big inning with a two-run double.

Chance Gilmore (0-2) allowed all four runs on all four hits in the eighth inning, and was tagged with the loss. Adam Champion (1-1) secured the victory for the Otters, tossing a pair of scoreless innings in relief.

Kuzdale went 2-for-4 on the night, giving him four hits in the series, and extended his hitting streak to six games. During that streak, Kuzdale has reached base 14 times. Andrew Davis went 2-for-4 on the night as well, giving him six multi-hit games this season.

The Crushers will begin a three game series against the Gateway Grizzlies at All Pro Freight Stadium on Friday night. Left hander Paul Fagan (1-2, 2.88) will start for the Crushers and the Grizzlies will counter with right hander Alex Kaminsky (3-0, 4.24). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

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