Lake Erie Crushers secure series against Evansville, plan to use momentum in third showdown
On July 4, the Lake Erie Crushers secured the series advantage over West Division contender Evansville.
Though the first stretch of the season had its rough patches, the Crushers gained momentum by taking the first two games of the three-game set against the Otters and don’t plan to stop when they play again on July 6.
“I think that this (4-2 win on July 4) puts us in a good position,” Crushers second hitter Jack Harris said. “(Evansville) is a tough opponent. We came out, got the win (on July 3); got the win today. I think that we keep this momentum. Keep on doing what we have been doing and string (hits).”
Crushers’ offense steps up, takes second straight win over Evansville
In the two games that resulted in Crushers' 6-0 and 4-2 wins on back-to-back days, Harris impressed at the plate, batting a combined 4-of-7 in with four RBI. Harris and Crushers Manager Jared Lemieux liked their at-bat approaches to make the pitchers work.
"Moving the line is important," Lemieux said. "Working pitchers end up with a few more walks than normal. All of a sudden the lineup turns over again and again. In the guy's third fourth and fifth at-bats is where hitters are most comfortable. That's been our plan here and we are executing it."
The pitching staff has left its mark all season long, with a team earned run average of 3.96, which is third-lowest in the Frontier League.
The Crushers' 7.79 strikeouts per nine innings has turned them into punch-out machines, which keeps offenses at bay.
Angelo Baez and Yasel Santana headlines the starters, with the rotation rounded out by lefty Kyle Seebach, Matt Mulhearn and J.D. Hammer.
Over 28 innings pitched, Darrien Ragins (1.61 ERA) provides a lockdown presence in the bullpen. He is complemented with players, such as Brayden Bonner (2.28), Perry Bewley (3.09) and Trevor Kuncl (3.86).
Sam Curtis, who also closed for the 2022 team, under former manager Cam Roth, has an ERA of 2.31. His five saves in 12 appearances, contends with the best closers in the Frontier League. Lemieux thinks the day off July 5 will serve well for the arms.
"(July 5) was a well-deserved day off," he said. "They've played hard for the last two days. It gives our pitchers a chance to breathe. We will enjoy the holiday, come back and get ready to rip on (July 6)"
The defense, as a whole, plays well to have a 97.4 fielding percentage, that also ranks in the Frontier League's top five.
The Crushers are no strangers of seeing improvements after July 4. Last year, they won 30 of 50 games and enjoyed long winning streaks to stay alive in the playoff race.
With new faces in the clubhouse, Lemieux believes the Crushers are gaining confidence to take on the second half of the season.
"(Winning) is a confidence booster for the group in there. We have made some changes. The new guy in (the lineup) are contributing, are more comfortable with their surroundings and their teammates," he said.
OTTERS AT CRUSHERS
When: 7:05 p.m., July 6
Where: Mercy Health Stadium
Records: Otters 26-20, Crushers 20-27
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