Lake Erie takes two from River City

With strong pitching from Connor Reid and Stetson Nelson, the Lake Erie Crushers swept a doubleheader from the River City Rascals, 5-1 and 2-1, in O’Fallon, Mo.

O’FALLON, MO.>> — The Lake Erie Crushers used solid pitching and some timely hitting to sweep a doubleheader from the River City Rascals on July 27, 5-1 and 2-1.

Game 1 was the continuation of a game that was suspended because of rain on July 26 in the second inning.

In the third inning, Bryan De La Rosa and Parker Norris walked and Connor Oliver bunted for an infield single to load the bases. Brendan Costantino’s single scored two. Then Jose Barraza grounded out to second, scoring Oliver. Eric Grabe’s sacrifice fly ended the four-run rally.

In the fourth, the Rascals scored their run on back-toback doubles by Josh Silver and Kyle Gaedele.

In the top of the sixth, the Crushers added an insurance run as Barraza hit his fifth home run of the season to center field.

Connor Reed (2-0) got the win after starting the game on July 26 and returning the next day to pitch five more innings. He pitched six innings, allowing a run on two hits. He struck out one.

In the second game, Stetson Nelson (4-4) went five innings for the win. He gave up six hits but only one run.

Max Casper singled to start the third inning for the Crushers and moved to second on Nick Covello’s sacrifice bunt. Costantino’s single scored Casper.

With the game tied, 1-1. in the sixth, Barraza doubled to right. Grabe bunted and beat the throw to first and Barraza made his way to third. Sean Hurley’s sacrifice fly brought in the winning run.