Ward Grand Slam Powers Erie to Victory
August 3, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Erie SeaWolves News Release
The SeaWolves snapped a four-game losing streak as they opened up a six-game series against the Harrisburg Senators with a 7-3 win on Tuesday night.
Harrisburg struck for a pair of runs in the last of the third to take a 2-0 lead when Nick Banks homered off of Erie starter Jesus Rodriguez.
The deficit did not last long as Erie came right back in the top of the fourth against Harrisburg starter Luis Reyes. Ryan Kreidler led off the frame with an opposite-field, solo home run making it a 2-1 game. The home run for Kreidler tied him with Josh Lester for the team lead with 14. Dillon Dingler walked with one out and Andre Lipcius followed with a base hit. John Valente walked with two outs, loading the bases for Drew Ward. Ward worked a 3-2 count before connecting on a grand slam for a 5-2 Erie lead. The home run for Ward was his seventh and it was Erie's fourth grand slam of the year.
Harrisburg got one back in the bottom of the fifth. Gilbert Lara led off with a double and later scored on a two-out single by Donovan Casey. Rodriguez would be lifted after the single as he took a no-decision allowing three runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts in 4.2 innings.
Erie added insurance in the eighth inning as they loaded the bases and Valente singled home a pair of runs for a 7-3 advantage.
A pair of Erie relievers in Yaya Chentouf and Billy Lesher combined to hold the Senators scoreless over the final 4.1 innings. Centouf (3-1) earned the win allowing two hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Lescher hurled two perfect frames to preserve the win.
Reyes (7-6) took the loss allowing five runs on three hits with three walks and five strikeouts over 3.2 innings.
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