Homestand #8 Preview: June 24-29

Power opens second half home slate with six vs. Lakewood and Hickory

West Virginia begins its second half home schedule with a six-game homestand against Lakewood and Hickory. (West Virginia Power)

By John Kocsis

June 22, 2018

CHARLESTON, WV (June 23, 2018) - After three games on the road to begin the second half, West Virginia will open up its second half home slate June 24 with a six-game homestand against the Lakewood BlueClaws and the Hickory Crawdads. The Power finished the first half 3-3 against Lakewood and

CHARLESTON, WV (June 23, 2018) - After three games on the road to begin the second half, West Virginia will open up its second half home slate June 24 with a six-game homestand against the Lakewood BlueClaws and the Hickory Crawdads. The Power finished the first half 3-3 against Lakewood and are 8-4 against Hickory with one game remaining against their Northern Division foe in North Carolina before their homestand begins.
SCHEDULE:
Sunday, June 24: Power vs. Lakewood BlueClaws: 4:05 p.m.
Monday, June 25: Power vs. Lakewood BlueClaws: 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, June 26: Power vs. Lakewood BlueClaws: 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday, June 27: Power vs. Hickory Crawdads: 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, June 28: Power vs. Hickory Crawdads: 7:05 p.m.
Friday, June 29: Power vs. Hickory Crawdads: 7:05 p.m.

ABOUT THE BLUECLAWS: Lakewood finished the first half with a South Atlantic League-best record of 41-28, good enough to secure themselves a playoff spot by claiming the Northern Division crown. The BlueClaws' pitching staff is led by lefties Will Stewart, who is 6-0 with a 1.13 ERA through 11 games, and David Parkinson, who is 6-1 with a 1.07 ERA through 11 games. As a team, Lakewood paces the SAL with a 2.63 ERA. Although their staff has been incredible, Lakewood's offense has struggled to back them, as the BlueClaws have scored a South Atlantic League-low 257 runs in 2018, while posting the league's third-lowest batting average at .244.
ABOUT THE CRAWDADS: Hickory finished the first half 30-38 and 10.5 games behind the BlueClaws for first in the Northern Division. Hickory currently has the worst batting average in the SAL at .237, while their 4.27 ERA is fourth-worst in the league. Much of Hickory's power comes from their catcher, Sam Huff, and second baseman, Ryan Dorow, who lead the team with seven homers and 25 RBI each. Dorow also paces the club with a .280 average.
KIDZ SUNDAY FUNDAY: Kids 12 and younger can play catch in the outfield prior to this 4:05 p.m. game, as well as run the bases after the final out, sponsored by SMART529 College Savings Program. Kids receive free admission to Sunday's game with their Kidz Club membership, presented by Sheetz. Select Power players will also be available for postgame autographs. Gates will open at 3 p.m. for West Virginia's first home game of the second half.
FAMILY BUCK NIGHT: Enjoy $1.00 popcorn, soda and hot dogs all night long, along with $3.00 box seats and $1.00 general admission tickets as the Power takes on the BlueClaws at 7:05 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. for game two of this three game series.
WALL OF FAME INDUCTION: Join the Power in inducting former Charleston Gazette investigative reporter Paul Nyden into the Michael C. Paterno Charleston Baseball Wall of Fame during a special pregame ceremony before the series finale between Lakewood and West Virginia. This game will also feature Two for Tuesday specials, brought to you by Rock 105. The concessions stands will have two-for-one 16-ounce domestic beer cans and two-for-one sloppy joes and chicken salad sandwiches, which will be available all night at the High Heat Grill on the third base concourse. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m., and gates will open at 6 p.m.
PETS IN THE PARK NIGHT: Bring your dog, cat, snake, fish or any pet to Appalachian Power Park for our special night. A pet pass is $3.00 for the evening, with all proceeds going to various animal-related organizations. Bark along with us as the Power battles the Hickory Crawdads in their series opener. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and gates will open at 6 p.m.
THIRSTY THURSDAY: Get $1.00 12-ounce beverages and $2.00 16-ounce cans through the end of the seventh inning, presented by Rock 105. College students who present a valid student ID at the box office will receive $2.00 off their game ticket. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and gates will open at 6 p.m.
HAPPY HOUR FRIDAY: Before Friday's game, come see Joanna Young perform during Happy Hour at the Budweiser Dugout Bar from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy $1.00 12-ounce drafts and live music before Friday's series finale against the Hickory Crawdads!
FIREWORKS FRIDAY: Come watch the Kanawha Valley's best pyrotechnics show at Appalachian Power Park after Friday's final out. Friday's fireworks are brought to you by MVB Bank and Electric 102.7. First pitch for the homestand finale is at 7:05 p.m., and gates will open at 6 p.m.