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FL Lake Erie Crushers

Wild Things use three-run eighth to pull away from Crushers

July 29, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Lake Erie Crushers News Release


AVON, Ohio - The Washington Wild Things scored a trio of runs in the eighth inning of Sunday evening's contest at All Pro Freight Stadium to pull away from the Lake Erie Crushers, taking the second game of the series, 6-1.

The loss for the Crushers (35-30) marks their third in their last four games, while the victory for the Wild Things (27-38) secures their first series victory against the Crushers this season.

The Crushers left the bases loaded in the ninth inning, and hit into three double plays on the night.

The Crushers scored first for the second night in a row, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Adrian Ortiz began the inning with a double down the line in left. Andrew Heck retrieved the ball and fired to second in an attempt to throw Ortiz out, but his throw went down the right field line, resulting in a two base throwing error to bring Ortiz around.

The Wild Things tied the game in the top of the fourth inning. Mark Samuelson walked with one out and scored on a two out base hit from Jim Vahalik.

Washington plated a pair of runs in the fifth, to take the lead for good. Chris Lloyd began the inning with a base hit and stole second before scoring the go ahead run on Gus Benusa's single. Benusa scored the final run of the inning on Nunziato's sacrifice fly.

A three run eighth inning put the game away for the Wild Things. Nunziato started the rally with a one out single, before Brady Duffy issued three consecutive walks. The final free pass in that equation was issued to Shain Stoner, and scored Nunziato. Vahalik and Rick Devereaux followed with back-to-back run scoring singles.

The Crushers once again posed a threat in the bottom of the ninth. Andrew Davis stroked a one out single, before Daniel Bowman walked and Brian Erie singled to load the bases. Chandler Barnard (2) then came in to retire Kyle Weldon and Robby Kuzdale on a pair of pop outs to end the contest.

Casey Barnes (3-5) scored the victory for the Wild Things, tossed seven strong innings, and allowed just an unearned run on five hits with a pair of strikeouts. Barnard retired the only two batters he faced in the ninth inning to snag the save, while Paul Fagan (6-4) took the loss, despite another strong start. The lefty allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits while fanning eight over seven innings.

Six players hit safely for the Crushers, while Andrew Davis paced Lake Erie with a pair of hits on the night, going 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.

The Crushers will finish their three game series with the Washington Wild Things at All Pro Freight Stadium on Monday night. Left hander Josh Hungerman (0-0, 3.38) will start for the Crushers, and the Wild Things will counter with right hander Gary lee (4-3, 2.92). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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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