Erie Uses the Long Ball to Split Doubleheader

GAME ONE

Erie once again had trouble getting runners on base, and even more trouble when it came to bringing home the runners they did get on. The SeaWolves got runners to second and third in the first inning with only one out, but couldn’t bring either home.

Josh Lester tried to open a scoring rally in the second inning with a solo home run for his 10th of the season, but it turned out to be Erie’s only run in the game. Erie only managed two more baserunners over the final five innings against starter Ken Waldichuk and reliever Zack Greene, but neither reached second base.

After Lester gave Erie the lead with his home run, Somerset teed off on Erie’s pitching. Isiah Gilliam opened the third inning with a solo home run to tie the game, and Oswaldo Cabrera clubbed a two run home run to solidify the loss for Erie’s Chance Kirby. Max Green took over for the starter in the fifth inning and allowed Cabrera’s second home run of the game, a three run shot. Cleaning up, Ruben Garcia added a scoreless inning of relief before the game concluded.

GAME TWO

Erie once again took an early lead with the long ball. Spencer Torkelson launched a solo homer over the center field wall in the first inning, his sixth with Erie. The ‘Wolves would continue to pressure Janson Junk, but couldn’t hit the Somerset starter for another run across his five innings.

In the sixth inning, Erie took advantage of a pitching change, and put on a pair of baserunners against Addison Russ. Drew Ward stepped up with two outs and clubbed a three run home run to put Erie ahead.

Chavez Fernander took game two in a spot start for Erie and opened with two scoreless innings, but was another victim of the home run. Diego Castillo hit his 11th of the season in the third inning to tie the game at one. Fernander was tagged for two more runs in the fourth inning on a walk, a double, and a pair of productive outs putting Erie behind. Fernander was in line for the loss before Ward later gave Erie the lead.

Joe Navilhon and Gerson Moreno each pitched in with scoreless appearances to earn the win and the save, respectively.

Erie and Somerset continue their series on Thursday. Elvin Rodriguez will get the start for Erie, with the first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. Erie returns to UPMC Park on July 13 when Bowie visits for six games.