Crawdads Surge Against Power for First Win

Hickory, NC- The Crawdads defeated the West Virginia Power 6-2 Thursday night in their home opener for their first win of the season. The 'Dads struck out 17 Power batters to tie a team record for strikeouts in a 9-inning game set in 2009.

The 'Dads jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a bases loaded double by catcher Melvin Novoa. First baseman Justin Jacobs followed up with a single to drive in Novoa and extend the Crawdads lead to 4-0.
The Power surged back with two runs back in the top of the fifth on a homerun by left fielder Calvin Mitchell. The Crawdads responded with back-to-back singles in the bottom of the inning by designated hitter Sam Huff and third baseman Tyler Ratliff. Novoa then singled in Huff to make the score 5-2. A Kole Enright single allowed Ratliff to score and concluded the scoring for either team for the night.
On the basepaths, Eric Jenkins stole his third and fourth base of the season by stealing second and third in the bottom of the second while right fielder Miguel Aparicio was at the plate. Shortstop Yonny Hernandez also added his third base swipe of the season.
Crawdads starting pitcher Alex Eubanks tossed five innings, allowing 2 earned runs. He struck out 8 Power batters while allowing 1 walk. Josh Advocate pitched 2 scoreless innings and recorded 4 strike outs. Demarcus Evans relieved Advocate in the 8^th and struck out the side. Grant Zawadzki sealed the 'Dads win by striking out two hitters.
The series continues tomorrow night with a 7pm game. Crawdads righty Jean Casanova will be taking on the Power's right hander Gavin Wallace. Following the game the 'Dads will be hosting their first fireworks show of the season. Tickets are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3760675/hickory-crawdads-vswest-virginia-power-hickory-lpfrans-stadiumhickory-crawdads