Simmons' First Inning Grand Slam Keys Claws 5-4 Win

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Kendall Simmons hit a first inning grand slam and the BlueClaws held off Asheville 5-4 on Wednesday at ShoreTown Ballpark.

With the win, the BlueClaws are now 18-5 in their last 23 games and have pulled to within one game of first place Brooklyn with 22 games to play.

Asheville starter Nick Swanson walked the first three batters before Kendall Simmons launched a grand slam over the left field wall to give the BlueClaws a 4-0 lead. It was Simmons' 8th home run of the season and the first BlueClaws grand slam since Jhailyn Ortiz hit one on May 27, 2021 at Hudson Valley.

The Tourists struck back with two unearned runs off starter Christian McGowan in the third. Ryan Wrobleski's two-run, two out single made it 4-2, though both runs were unearned.

McGowan, making his second start back with the BlueClaws this year, struck out five over three innings.

Gunner Mayer came on in the fourth. In the fifth, Asheville scored another unearned run on a two-out error from Simmons to cut the lead to 4-3. Mayer (3-6) gave up one unearned run in four innings to earn the win.

The BlueClaws added a run in the sixth on an RBI single by Justin Crawford.

Wesley Moore gave up a run in the eighth but stranded the bases loaded. Andrew Walling threw a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his second BlueClaws save.

Crawford had his first two-hit game with Jersey Shore.

The teams continue their series on Thursday night at 7:05 pm. RHP Mitch Neunborn starts for the BlueClaws.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-