FL Lake Erie Crushers

Tucker Dominates on Mound as Crushers Top Miners

August 11, 2009 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


Avon, OH - Right-hander Cardoza Tucker was outstanding on the mound for the Crushers on Tuesday afternoon, delivering eight shutout innings in helping Lake Erie to blank Southern Illinois by the final of 4-0.

Tucker allowed just two hits, while striking out four and walking two in his eight innings of dominance. "I was trying to work my two-seam fastball in there and get them off guard with my off speed pitches and that worked today," said Tucker afterwards. "I was looking forward to my first start at home today to show the fans here what I'm made of." The Crushers defense also gave Tucker a helping hand, turning three double plays.

After missing out on scoring opportunities in the first two innings, the Crushers got to Miners starter Danny Zeffiro in the third as Drew Saylor delivered an RBI single to right to put Lake Erie on the board. Saylor's run scoring single was his 54th RBI of the season.

Wayne Bond then added to the Crushers lead in the sixth with an RBI bunt single that scored Tyler Johnson to put Lake Erie ahead 2-0. The Crushers finished out the scoring in the seventh as Johnson hit a bases-loaded grounder to third. Southern Illinois got the runner out at the plate, but catcher Andrew Sweet's throw to first was off-line, allowing Andrew Davis to score. Tim Binkoski followed with an RBI single to put Lake Erie up 4-0.

J. J. Pacella relieved Tucker in the ninth inning and retired the side in order to finish off the victory for the Crushers, who are now 43-30 on the season. The series continues on Wednesday night as Paul Fagan will go for his 12th win of the year for Lake Erie against Southern Illinois' Brett Scarpetta.

The Lake Erie Crushers are the newest expansion team in the Frontier League, an independent professional league with 12 teams throughout the Midwest. The team plays its home games at All Pro Freight Stadium, the new 5,000 capacity ballpark located at the intersection of I-90 and Route 611 in Avon. Season tickets and Mini-plans 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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Frontier League Stories from August 11, 2009


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