LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS News & Game Recaps

Crestwood, IL – The Lake Erie Crushers (8-2) walked into the Windy City and downed the Thunderbolts (5-6) in the first game of their six game road trip, taking game one by a score of 4-1. This keeps Lake Erie within .5 game of first place in the Frontier League West standings.

Crushers LHP Matt Valin dazzled on the mound, giving up just a first inning run on one hit in 5.2 IP in his second start of the 2024 campaign.

He was opposed by Thunderbolts RHP Taylor Sugg, who went 6 IP, giving up 4 R (3 ER) on 9 hits.

With both teams trading a run in the first inning, the Crushers got back to work in the top of the 3rd. C John Tuccillo singled to lead off the inning, then 1B Scout Knotts doubled into the left field corner, scoring Tuccillo all the way from first base. Then, with another big swing, DH Vincent Byrd Jr. left the yard for a 2-run opposite field bomb to make the score 4-1. Byrd’s homer is his second in as many games – his third on the season.

Valin worked stress free after getting the run support from the Crushers offense. He was relieved for RHP Enrique Ozoa in the 6th, who went a perfect 1.1 IP. RHP Sammy Tavarez tossed a scoreless 8th inning before closer RHP Trevor Kuncl shut the door in the 9th to secure the win for Lake Erie.

Once again a masterful performance by the Crushers pitching staff, allowing just one run on three hits. Matt Valin (1-0) would snag the win, Taylor Suggs logging the loss (0-1), and Trevor Kuncl (2) logging his second save of the season.

Another early start for Lake Erie on Wednesday as they take on Windy City once again at 11:35am EST, bidding for their fourth series win to start the 2024 season.