Pujols Homers, Drives in Five, Claws Roll 13-6
Published on May 5, 2016 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release
ASHEVILLE, NC - Jose Pujols homered and drove in five while Brendon Hayden and Austin Bossart each had their first professional four-hit games as Lakewood topped Asheville 13-6 on Thursday night at McCormick Field.
The win means the teams have split their first two games in the three-game series and the BlueClaws (8-18) have split 12 since a 2-12 start. Asheville (11-14) saw their three-game win streak snapped.
The 13 runs and 19 BlueClaws hits were both season highs. Eight players had hits while six players had multi-hit games for Lakewood, led by Bossart and Hayden with their first career four-hit games.
A Jose Pujols three-run first inning home run put the BlueClaws up quickly, but Asheville tied the game with three first inning runs off Shane Watson.
Lakewood, however, responded in a big way - with a seven-run second inning. The first eight hitters to bat all reached base, with Pujols again providing the big blow with a two-run double. Lakewood nearly added an eighth run but Damek Tomscha was thrown out trying to score from second base on a single to end the inning.
Asheville's Brandon Rodgers, the third overall pick in last year's draft, then hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning to bring the Tourists within 10-6. Lakewood would pull away with a run in the third on a double-play and a two-run double by Austin Bossart in the seventh.
Shane Watson (2-1) earned the win, allowing six runs, but only three earned, over five innings, and nothing after the second. He struck out seven, a new season high.
Asheville's Dylan Craig (0-1), who gave up 10 runs, nine earned, while getting just three outs, took the loss.
Pujols' home run was his fifth of the year, one more than he hit last year with Williamsport.
The rubber game of the series is on Friday night. RHP Luke Leftwich (1-1) starts for Lakewood against RHP David Hill (2-1).
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