Crawford looking to finish season on high note
TRENTON » Two steps.
Rashad Crawford knew within his first two steps that he was going to make the game-saving play in the Thunder’s win over New Hampshire on Friday night.
Leading 2-1 in the top of the sixth, Crawford sprinted to his left and dove to rob Santiago Espinal of a hit that would have given the Fisher Cats the lead.
“I just knew the situation of the game,” Crawford said on Saturday before the first game of a doubleheader at Arm & Hammer Park. “I saw it go up and I just went all out for it. (You) just do your best to put yourself in a good position.”
It was the kind of play that showcased the 6-foot3, 225-pound outfielder’s athleticism. It showed his range in center field and his ability to impact the game on the defensive end.
“I know that defense wins a lot of games,” Crawford. “I feel that if the offense is not going away, I feel like defense you can control that, and give yourself a better chance to succeed.”
Crawford, however, has struggled mightily at the plate this season, even spending a chunk of time in extended spring training after he batted .143 in his first 22 games at Double-A.
“It was definitely humbling,” Crawford said. “It goes to show that baseball is a tough game and it can happen to anybody. You have to just grind it out everyday and stay positive.”
Crawford returned to the Thunder on July 27 after playing 23 games for HighA Tampa and has picked up his offense in August. He’s hitting .271 in 46 at bats this month and had two hits on Friday night.
“I’m starting to get the feeling back, get in a little groove,” Crawford said. “With playoffs coming up, I want to be the best I can be for the team.”
The 24-year-old, who came over from the Cubs in the 2016 Aroldis Chapman trade, said it was the mental side of the game he needed to clear up while in extended spring.
“My consistency and really engaging my legs and not thinking so much,” he said. “Just going out and competing. You can’t think too much. Just have a plan and stick to the plan the whole time. “
Infielder Billy Fleming underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
The Council Rock South product slashed .290/.347/.440 with six homers and 34 RBIs in 71 games between the Thunder and RailRiders.
The 25-year-old is a career .292 hitter in five minor league seasons since the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia.
Blue Jays infielder Lourdes Gurriel started at shortstop for New Hampshire on a rehab assignment.
Gurriel has been on the disabled list since Aug. 1 with a sprained left ankle.
In 38 games, the 24-yearold has a .322/.340/.503 slash with seven homers and 22 RBIs.