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FL Lake Erie Crushers

Seven game win streak halted in 2-1 loss

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


AVON, Ohio - The Lake Erie Crushers saw their seven game home winning streak come to an end on Saturday night, as their offense was silenced in a 2-1 loss to the Southern Illinois Miners.

The loss for the Crushers (25-22) was their first at home since June 19, and brought their five game winning streak to an end, while the victory for the Miners (28-19) was their fourth in their last five games.

Southern Illinois starting pitcher David Harden (6-1) stole the show, and stifled the Crushers' offense. Harden went the distance and held the Crushers to just a run on four knocks.

Southern Illinois struck first, as they took advantage of Darian Sandford's speed in the top of the third. Sandford was issued a leadoff walk, before stealing second base, and advanced to third on the play on Andrew Davis's error. Jake Kaase drove him home a few moments later on a groundout.

Sandford struck again in the fifth. He was issued a two out free pass, before stealing second, and third. After stealing third, Sandford came home on Brian Erie's errant throw in an attempt to throw him out.

The Crushers plated their lone run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Adrian Ortiz reached on a one out base hit, and scored on Robby Kuzdale's triple down the right field line. The relay throw to the plate got by the catcher, Sean Coughlin, allowing a small opening for Kuzdale at third. Kuzdale broke for the plate, but was thrown out.

The game ended with the tying run 90-feet away. Jason Taylor reached on an infield single, and stole second base. He made his way to third on Russ Moldenhauer's fly-out to center, but Taylor was left stranded after Andrew Davis grounded out to end the game.

Josh Rickards (2-2) suffered the loss, after allowing an unearned run on two hits, while fanning two, and distributing three free passes. Harden went the distance, and allowed just the run on four hits, and fanned four in the process.

Kuzdale paced the Crushers offensively, going 2-for-4 in the contest, giving him six hits on the home stand. Taylor reached on a walk and a single, bringing his on base streak to 31 games. J.C. Figueroa went 0-for-3, and saw his 14 game on base streak come to an end.

The Crushers will finish their three game series against the Southern Illinois Miners at All Pro Freight Stadium on Sunday evening. Left hander Paul Fagan (4-3, 2.63) will start for the Crushers and the Miners will counter with right hander Cody Hall (2-0, 2.61). The first pitch is scheduled for 5:05 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 2012 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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