Stephan Strikes Out 11 In Win
Published on June 14, 2023 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Hickory Crawdads News Release
Hickory, NC- The Crawdads took down the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4-2 on Wednesday evening behind a strong start by Josh Stephan.
The Crawdads got the first run of the game across in the bottom of the first. Geisel Cepeda singled and took second on a ground out by Maximo Acosta. Abimelec Ortiz singled to right to bring Cepeda around to score.
Solo homeruns by Bowling Green in the third and fourth innings put the 'Dads behind 2-1.
The Crawdads responded in the bottom of the fifth, retaking the lead with a pair of runs. Angel Aponte and Jayce Easley kicked off the fifth inning with back-to-back singles. Cepeda hit a fly ball to deep right field, allowing Aponte to tag up and go to third. Easley was picked off at first, but Tucker Mitchell delivered a two-out single to center to tie the game. Acosta followed-up with a base hit to put runners on the corners. Ortiz smacked a single down the third base line to push the Crawdads ahead 3-2.
Stephan delivered six strong innings. He allowed four hits, two runs (both on solo homeruns), walked none, and struck out 11. He threw 60 of his 87 pitches for strikes.
Ricky DeVito made his Crawdads debut with a scoreless seventh.
The 'Dads added on an insurance run in the seventh to take a 4-2 lead. Tucker Mitchell reached on a fielding error and advanced to second on a single. Ortiz grounded out but was able to send Mitchell to third before a Cody Freeman single brought in the run.
Jackson Kelley handled the eighth and ninth innings, striking out the first five batters he faced before getting a fly out to center to end the game.
Tomorrow night is a Tribute to North Carolina and Thirsty Thursday by Focus News. It is also People's Bank Thursday and Planet Fitness Thursday and customers can get discounted tickets with their respective cards.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 14, 2023
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- Stephan Strikes Out 11 In Win - Hickory Crawdads
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