SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Winn Drives in Winner in 6-5 Victory Over West Virginia

Published on May 27, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


CHARLESTON, W.V. - The BlueClaws got a run in the top of the ninth to break a 5-5 tie and take a 6-5 victory over West Virginia at Appalachian Power Park, their seventh win in a row.

The victory completed a sweep of West Virginia-the first series sweep for the BlueClaws this season. Lakewood has won nine of its last ten games.

One inning after squandering a 5-3 lead, the BlueClaws wasted little time getting the advantage right back. With one away, Dennis Winn doubled to left- centerfield to score T.J. Warren from first base.

Steffan Wilson had tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run home run to left.

Once again though, it was the BlueClaws bullpen that deserved much of the credit. Chris Kissock, who was making the spot start, allowed just one unearned run in four innings. Moises Melendez (2-0) did allow four runs, but was able to survive for four innings to help keep the BlueClaws close.

Melendez' outing was instrumental, even could not keep West Virginia off the scoreboard. The BlueClaws bullpen was forced to throw 8 1/3 innings in Monday's victory due to a rain delay that chased starter Drew Naylor from the game after just 2/3 of an inning.

Jared Simon pitched the ninth inning to record his eighth save of the season and fourth save of the BlueClaws winning streak. The 'Claws closer managed to get the final out with the tying run at third base by getting Lee Haydel to ground out.

The BlueClaws twice held leads of two runs, only to see the Power even the game each time. Lakewood took a 3-1 lead thanks to extra-base hits from Matt Rizzotti and Michael Taylor. Rizzotti took Power starter and former Manhattan College teammate, Chris Cody, deep in the second for a two-run home run.

Michael Taylor drove a RBI double to leftfield in the next inning to give Lakewood a 3-1 lead. Taylor upped his South Atlantic League-leading batting average with a 1-for-2 performance. He was also walked twice, once intentionally.

Wilson's bat helped keep the Power in the ballgame. The Power cleanup hitter drove in four runs, though he went just 1-for-4.

Lakewood (28-24) now heads for Eastlake, Ohio for a four-game series against Lake County, the Northern Division leaders. Darren Byrd will make his first start of the season for the BlueClaws, while the Captains will send their ace Ryan Miller (7-0) to the mound for the 7:05 p.m. start.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 27, 2008


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