Crawdads Walk to 9-2 Win Over Power

Hickory, NC - The Hickory Crawdads took a patient approach to their offense Monday night, as the 'Dads drew seven walks while also having three batters hit by a pitch to accompany eight hits in a 9-2 win over the visiting West Virginia Power at L.P. Frans Stadium.

The Crawdads scored all their runs in three innings, with the big frame coming in the fifth when the club sent 11 men to the plate and scored five tallies on five walks, two hits, and a hit-by-pitch to put the game away. 10 total batters reached base safely in the game, with six players reaching multiple times. The lopsided victory gave Hickory a 4-game series split against West Virginia.

The Crawdads jumped out to a lead in the first, with a double from Josh Altmann, an RBI single by Dylan Moore, and an RBI double off the left field fence from Tyler Sanchez for a 2-0 score. The 'Dads lead doubled to 4-0 in the fourth, this time on a solo home run to left by Sanchez and a bases loaded, RBI sacrifice fly off the bat of Sherman Lacrus.

The Power got on the board in the top of the fifth, when Daniel Arribas hit a bases-loaded, RBI single to left off of Hickory starting pitcher Matt Ball to drive in a run for a 5-1 score. West Virginia tried to bring in another tally on the play, but Eduard Pinto gunned down Casey Hughston at the plate on a throw from left field to end the inning.

The 'Dads then pulled away with five runs scoring in the sixth for a 9-1 lead. Sanchez started the rally with a walk, which was followed by a single from Yeyson Yrizarri and an RBI base knock by Ti'Quan Forbes to bring home the first run. One out later, Lacrus drew a walk to load the bases before Eric Jenkins also took an free pass that forced in a run. Frady De La Rosa followed with an RBI on a hit-by-pitch, before both Eduard Pinto and Moore drew RBI walks to put the Crawdads ahead by eight.

West Virginia picked up one final tally in the eighth on an RBI triple to center by Logan Hill before Hickory reliever Adam Choplick closed the door in the ninth for a 9-2 Hickory victory.

Sanchez paced the 'Dads bats with a 2-3 game including a home run, a double, two RBI, and two runs scored. Forbes finished 1-3 with a walk and an RBI, while Yrizarri went 2-4 with two runs scored. Altmann ended the night 1-1 with a double, a run scored, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch before leaving the game in the fifth after suffering an injury sliding into second base.

Ball (2-1) earned the win for Hickory with one run allowed on eight hits, one walk, and four strikeouts over five innings pitched. Power starter Gage Hinsz (2-5) was handed the loss after giving up four runs on five hits, two walks, and one strikeout during his five innings on the mound.

The Crawdads (12-13/ 50-45) have an off day on Tuesday to travel to Salisbury, MD, where they will start a three game series against the Delmarva Shorebirds. First pitch Wednesday night is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

 

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