Mom’s cooking helps O’Brien at the plate

Crushers honor 1 millionth fan, romp over Freedom

On a day dedicated to celebrating the fans, the Lake Erie Crushers certainly put on a show in an 11-5 win over Florence, the West Division’s top team, July 7.

The Crushers celebrated 1 million fans since arriving in Avon in 2009, and honored Kathy Chopcinski of North Ridgeville during the eighth inning as the honorary 1 millionth fan while doling out prizes all throughout the game as thanks for nine seasons of support.

On the field, Lake Erie used some offense that had been sorely lacking in games prior to jump out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. L.J. Kalawaia led off with a single before Brandon Murray hit an RBI double, Cody Lenahan an RBI single, and rookie Austin O’Brien a two-run home run — the first of his professional career.

“It felt good,” O’Brien said. “My mom just got into town and she actually cooked breakfast for me this morning, myself and L.J., and he had a good game, too, so I have to give a lot of credit to her.”

O’Brien gave credit to the fans and his teammates as well for making his rookie season a memorable one thus far.

“All the fans here are so

supportive and the guys on the team are bringing those new guys in and making them feel at home, so a lot of credit to those guys and the fans of the Crushers,” O’Brien said.

Florence added three runs over the next four innings to get within a run, but the Crushers poured on three in the fifth and four in the sixth to go up, 11-3, thanks to a three-run home run from Sean Hurley and a three-run triple from Kalawaia.

Juan Caballero (3-1) got the win, giving up five hits in five innings while walking two and striking out five.

“Caballero came out and threw the ball well to start off,” Crushers manager Cam Roth said. “It wasn’t like he was out of the zone a lot. (Florence) is a good hitting team and you have to pitch around some guys at some point when you’re facing a club like that, so he did a good job.”

The win makes it three straight for the Crushers (21-27) who ended a sixgame losing streak at home to the Freedom (32-17).

The last time Lake Erie beat Florence at Sprenger Stadium was July 24, 2014.

The Crushers continue the series with Florence July 8 at 6:05 p.m. at Sprenger Stadium before wrapping up a 10-game home stand July 9 and heading to the All-Star break.

“Caballero came out and threw the ball well to start off. It wasn’t like he was out of the zone a lot.”

— Cam Roth, Crushers manager

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Crushers starting pitcher Juan Caballero delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against Florence.

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Austin O’Brien of the Crushers is congratulated at home plate after belting a two-run homer during the first inning.