According to Lake Erie Crushers manager Jared Lemieux, the pursuit of his first win felt like a weight on his shoulders.
On May 12, the Crushers faced adversity, but defeated the Quebec Capitals, 10-6, in the season opener.
“(The win) felt a little bit like a weight off my shoulders. But I am really proud of the way the guys played tonight,” Lemieux said. “I thought it was a team win. We handled adversity well and came back fighting after a tough (second) inning. It was nice to see (Santiago Chirino) hit the ball over the fence.”
The Crushers started their season 1-0, as Quebec dropped to 0-1. The teams will square off again on May 13 at 6:05.
"(This game) is a testament to the fight that these guys have. They are never going to be down and out I can tell you that," Lemieux said.
Chirino, the team's player-coach and shortstop, scored the first run of the game after he hit a single in the first inning. The Crushers took a 2-0 lead.
Quebec did its best to put a damper on the Crushers' opener to lead, 6-2, in the second inning. However, Chirino lined up a three-run homer and tied it at 6-6 in the top of the third.
"I've been playing a lot of baseball in this league and they've been pitching (inside) most of the time," Chirino said. "I put in my mind that if he comes in, I'm going to try and get the barrel out. Thankfully, he put the pitch there and I could connect pretty well."
Chirino, also known as "Chi Chi," is a seasoned veteran in the Frontier League and in Canada. He is the Frontier League's all-time hits leader in nine seasons.
"(Chirino) has great energy," Lemieux said. "He is as smart of a baseball player as I have ever coached. The guys really gravitate toward him. He plays such a professional brand of baseball. A chance to get him back with me for this year was something that I had to take advantage of."
The Crushers chained hits together in multiple innings to score in the first, second fourth and seventh. They outhit Quebec, 13-6.
"It was nice to see the bats come alive," Lemieux said. "These guys have been working really hard this spring to improve their game and make sure they were ready (to play) right when the gates opened. It was nice to see."
Crushers right fielder Jack Harris was 3-of-4 with an RBI. Third baseman Brendon Dadson batted in a run with two hits.
The Crushers showcased their talents on the mound to rotate through seven pitchers. Relief pitcher Perry Bewley was awarded the win.
"We have the fortune of having 14 pitchers on the staff," Lemieux said. "I don't want to anyone too far early on in the season. We have some really good arms. It was nice to be able to showcase that."
The defense left of Quebec's runners left on base, with few in scoring position.
