Game Recap

Chapman takes loss despite strong outing

SALISBURY, Md. – The Lakewood BlueClaws ended the season on a bit of a sour note, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Delmarva Shorebirds on Monday night at Perdue Stadium.

Two third-inning runs were all that Delmarva needed in the final game of the 2008 campaign for both teams. Chance Chapman allowed three hits in the third inning, including an RBI single from Joe Nowicki that put the ‘Birds ahead 2-0.

Chapman (7-7) was strong with the exception of the third, but that was enough to mean the loss. Chapman finished the season .500, while the BlueClaws concluded the campaign 11-12 in games started by the 24-year old right-hander.

The BlueClaws gave it a late run against Delmarva starter Nate Nery (7-3) and bullpen pitcher Hank Williamson, but fell just short. Lakewood managed five of their eight hits in the final two innings. Matt Rizzotti’s base hit in the eighth off of Nery cut the ‘Birds lead to one, but the best chance did not come until the ninth.

Lakewood put two straight on against Williamson to open the ninth, but got nothing more, as the ‘Claws stranded the tying run in scoring position. Williamson earned his second save of the season with his 1 1/3 innings.

Nery was fantastic for the second straight start against the BlueClaws. The Delmarva lefty worked 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball, outdoing the seven scoreless he threw in Lakewood last week. He also struck out five and walked just one.

Eric McConnell pitched two scoreless frames of relief, while Reymond Cruz came in and pitched a quick eighth inning.

Despite the loss, the BlueClaws (42-28, 80-60) still finished with the best overall record in the North Division and second-best record in franchise history. Only the championship squad of 2006 posted a better overall record.

Mitchell, Rizzotti both go deep

SALISBURY, Md. – The BlueClaws won a back-and-forth game on Sunday night at Perdue Stadium, beating Delmarva 5-4 and wrapping up the best overall record in the North Division.

Matt Rizzotti’s solo home run in the fifth inning tied the game, 4-4, and Tim Kennelly scored later in the frame on a Jay Miller groundout to put the BlueClaws on top for good.

The victory was Lakewood’s 80^th of the season and guaranteed that the ‘Claws (42-27, 80-59) would finish with the best overall record in the South Atlantic League North Division. It is only the second time in franchise history that the BlueClaws have finished with 80 or more wins, joining just the 2006 championship club.

 Julian Sampson (11-4) took the win for the ‘Claws despite an up-and-down performance. The 19-year old starter matched his career-high with five strikeouts in his five innings, but gave up four runs, all earned, on seven hits.

But Sampson departed with a 5-4 lead and the bullpen did their jobs. Zack Sterner pitched three strong innings in what is likely his final appearance of the season. Sterner did not allow a hit ad struck out two to hand the game over to the closer Jared Simon with a one-run advantage.

Simon made it interesting by allowing two straight two-out hits, but struck out Ryan Adams for his 30^th save of the season.

Lakewood was in an early hole after the first inning, as the ‘Birds got a pair of runs in the first. Paco Figuera and Tyler Henson each doubled off of Sampson, before Anthony Martinez drove in another run with a base hit.

But the BlueClaws evened it in the top of the second with two runs off of starter Luis Noel. Travis Mattair and Herman Demmink each picked up RBIs off of Noel to tie the game. Noel lasted just four innings in his final start of the season, giving up three runs on four hits.

Derrick Mitchell put Lakewood out front for the first time in the fourth with a leadoff solo home run, his 11^th of the season. Andrew Schindling (1-1) took the loss after giving up Rizzotti’s long ball in the fifth.

Just one game remains in the 2008 season, as first pitch will come at 6:05 p.m. at Perdue Stadium. Chance Chapman (7-6) will make the final start of the season for the BlueClaws, while left-hander Nate Nery (6-3) will go for the Shorebirds (39-30, 77-61). 

Five Shorebirds errors contribute to comfortable victory

SALISBURY, Md. – The BlueClaws took full advantage of five Delmarva errors at Perdue Stadium on Saturday night, claiming a 6-1 win to open the final series of the 2008 season.

The Shorebirds, who are statistically the worst defensive team in the South Atlantic League, gave up three unearned runs thanks to their defensive miscues. Ryan Adams set the South Atlantic League record for errors by a second baseman in the game by picking throwing away two baseballs. Adams now has 52 errors this season.

Lakewood was able to take advantage, thanks to 12 hits against starter Sean Gleason and a pair of relievers. The ‘Claws roughed up Gleason (12-2) for five runs, two earned on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Both of Gleason’s losses this season came against the BlueClaws.

The BlueClaws did not need any help from the ‘Birds to get the scoring going against Gleason in the top of the first. Freddy Galvis and Matt Rizzotti picked up back-to-back doubles giving Lakewood a 1-0 lead three batters into the game. Mike Durant added his team-leading 67^th RBI of the season with a sacrifice fly.

The BlueClaws (41-27, 79-59) managed to chase Gleason in the sixth inning with a pair of runs. After two quick outs, Adams threw a ball into the BlueClaws dugout to allow T.J. Warren to reach second base. Lakewood made the Shorebirds pay with two straight hits from Derrick Mitchell and Herman Demmink to push across two unearned runs and send Gleason to the showers.

Mitchell led the offensive charge, finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Demmink, Tim Kennelly and Travis Mattair also finished with multi-hit games.

And while the BlueClaws were jumping out to an early lead, Vance Worley was piecing together one of his best starts of the season. The 20-year old right-hander struck out a career-high nine hitters without allowing a run in five innings. Worley (3-2) had one stretch in which he recorded eight straight outs via the strikeout.

Moises Melendez gave the BlueClaws two innings of relief and Chris Kissock finished out the game with a scoreless ninth.

The BlueClaws will continue the series with Delmarva on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. at Perdue Stadium. Julain Sampson (10-4) will make his final start for the ‘Claws, while Luis Noel (10-8) will go for Delmarva (39-29, 77-60) in a rematch of last Tuesday’s game. Lakewood won that contest, 4-3, and neither starter factored in the decision.

BlueClaws eliminated from playoffs

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws were officially eliminated from the playoff race on Friday night at FirstEnergy Park, as the Hagerstown Suns scored four runs in the ninth inning to take a 5-2 victory over the Lakewood.

The BlueClaws and Suns entered the ninth inning tied, 1-1, but Hagerstown got four runs on four hits off of reliever Reymond Cruz. Jake Rogers tripled with the bases loaded off of Cruz (0-2) to score three runs and put the game out of reach.

The loss coupled with a comeback 8-7 victory for the West Virginia Power in game one of their doubleheader with Kannapolis officially ended the BlueClaws quest for the postseason. The BlueClaws (39-27, 77-59) still hold the best overall record in the North Division.

The BlueClaws got very little going offensively over the first eight innings. Cole Kimball allowed just two hits in seven innings of work and that was the Lakewood total heading to the bottom of the ninth. Kimball, who was making his sixth start of the season against the BlueClaws, put together one of his best starts of the 2008 campaign on Friday night. The right-hander allowed just one run and walked two while striking out six.

Lakewood got on the board with their first hit. Matt Rizzotti doubled to leftfield, scoring Herman Demmink from first base in the fourth inning. Lakewood did not score again until the bottom of the ninth.

Tim Kennelly made it interesting in the final frame, driving in Travis D’Arnaud to cut it to a three-run deficit. Lakewood finished the game with just four hits.

Mike Cisco pitched a career-high seven innings and also struck out a career-best seven. The right-hander did give up the first earned run in his six starts this season, but was brilliant otherwise. Mark Gildea brought home the only run against Cisco, driving in Travis Reagan with a base hit with two outs in the fifth inning.

The game was played in front of the largest crowd of the season and second largest crowd in franchise history. 10,027 fans were in attendance to take in the final home game of the regular season.

Ryan Harrison (4-2) came in and pitched the final two innings to take the win for the Suns.

While the loss marked the final home game of the season, the BlueClaws still have three games remaining in Delmarva. The ‘Claws will send Vance Worley(2-2) to the mound for the series opener in a rematch with Delmarva starter Sean Gleason (12-1).

Lakewood cuts deficit to 3 ½ games

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws kept their playoff hopes afloat on Thursday night by beating Hagerstown 2-1 behind an excellent start from Mike Stutes at FirstEnergy Park.

Stutes, who was roughed up to the tune of four runs in 4 2/3 innings in his last start at Lake County, was back on form in his final start of the regular season. The right-hander did not allow a run and struck out nine in six innings. Stutes will finish the regular season 5-1 in his seven starts with Lakewood, striking out 53 batters in 42 2/3 innings.

Zack Sterner carried the shutout through the seventh and eighth innings. The steady reliever gave up two hits, but was never threatened and struck out three. Jared Simon gave up a run in the ninth, but nothing more, to close out the win and earn his franchise-best 29^th save of the season.

The win, coupled with a rainout in West Virginia, moved the BlueClaws within 3 ½ games of the Power. Lakewood (40-26, 78-58) has four games remaining in the regular season, while the Power have five to go, all at home against Kannapolis.

Lakewood put the Suns in a hole in the fourth inning. Tim Kennelly came home on an Ozzie Rodriguez wild pitch to make it a 1-0 Lakewood lead. That was the only run the BlueClaws managed against Martinez (1-2), who gave up six hits in six innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out three.

The BlueClaws extended their lead in the seventh with a run off of Hagerstown’s top reliever, Dan Leatherman. Derrick Mitchell drove in Travis Mattair with his 32^nd double of the season. Mattiar had a big day, picking up three of Lakewood’s nine hits on the game.

The Suns (24-42, 58-77) finally got on the board in the ninth off of Simon thanks to a pair of base hits. It was the first time in the game that Hagerstown was able to pick up multiple hits in the same inning, as a Garrett Bass single scored Blake Stouffer from second to break up the clean sheet.

The BlueClaws have just one game remaining at FirstEnergy Park in the regular season. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with Mike Cisco (2-1) starting for the BlueClaws and Cole Kimball (6-8) making his sixth start of the season against Lakewood.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the Principal Family Fun Fest will begin at FirstEnergy Park at 4:00 p.m. There will also be post-game fireworks following the final out, presented by Toyota and Scion World of Lakewood.

Shorebirds shutout ‘Claws 3-0 to take series

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws saw their playoff chances take another hit on Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park, as Nate Nery led Delmarva to a 3-0 victory over Lakewood.

The loss pushed the BlueClaws four games behind first-place West Virginia with five games remaining in the regular season. The Power were off on Wednesday and will face Kannapolis at home for their final five games of the season.

Nery was dominant in his start for the Shorebirds, throwing seven shutout innings. Nery (6-3) gave up just four hits and did not walk a batter. He struck out two. The Delmarva southpaw has not given up a run in his last 15 innings of work, spanning three starts.

Andrew Schindling pitched the final two frames in scoreless fashion to earn the save and close out the shutout. It was the ninth time this season that the BlueClaws were held without a run in a game and the second in the last four games.

Matt Rizzotti was the lone offensive threat off of Nery and Schindling. The BlueClaws first baseman had three of the BlueClaws five hits, going 3-for-4 with a double. Tim Kennelly and Mike Durant were the only other BlueClaws with a hit.

Chance Chapman (7-6) was on the losing end of the shutout, despite another strong performance. Chapman, who missed three weeks at the start of August, pitched five innings and allowed just two runs. The right-hander struck out five and walked just one.

All the damage against Chapman came with two outs in the second when he allowed three straight hits to plate a pair of runs. Paco Figeroa put the ‘Birds on the board with a RBI double and Brendan Monaghan added to the lead with a base hit.

Chris Kissock pitched the final four innings, giving up just one run in long relief. Delmarva made it 3-0 with a run in the seventh when Robbie Widlansky tripled home Anthony Martinez. That was the lone blemish against Kissock, who only gave up one hit.

The BlueClaws (39-26, 77-58) next welcome in Hagerstown for the final two games of the regular season at FirstEnergy Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with Mike Stutes (4-1) making his last start of the season for Lakewood. Right-hander Osvaldo Rodriguez (1-1) will take the hill for the Suns.

Following the game there will be fireworks, presented by Toyota and Scion World of Lakewood. Tickets are still available by visiting BlueClaws.com, calling (732) 901-7000 or stopping by the FirstEnergy Park ticket office.

Sampson gives ‘Claws six strong frames

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Mike Durant’s two-RBI double in the bottom of the eighth helped the BlueClaws to a comeback 4-3 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds on Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws nearly wasted one of the best starts of the season from Julian Sampson, when the Shorebirds rallied for two unearned runs in the top of the eighth off of Moises Melendez. But Lakewood rallied for three runs in the home half of the inning to take the come-from-behind win.

Durant’s big hit capped a four-hit frame, which featured a single from Freddy Galvis, who was named to the Postseason All Star Team prior to the game. Tim Kennelly drove in the first run of the inning with an RBI single off of Aubrey Miller (3-5) and came around to score the game-winning run.

Sampson took a tough-luck no decision, as the 19-year old right-hander gave up just one run in six innings. Sampson did not allow a hit through the first four innings, but left with the game tied, 1-1.

Matt Rizzotti gave the BlueClaws an early lead with a solo home run in the top of the third inning off of starter Luis Noel. Noel did not factor in the decision despite a solid start. Noel went five innings, giving up two hits while striking out three and walking three.

The BlueClaws nearly gave the game away thanks to a number of defensive miscues. Derrick Mitchell made a costly error that allowed both eighth-inning runs to score. Despite giving up the go-ahead runs in the eighth, Melendez (4-3) earned the win with two innings of relief.

Jared Simon gave up a hit in the ninth, but got a game-ending doubleplay ball off the bat of Matt Angle to end the game. Simon now has a franchise-high 28 saves on the season.

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the ‘Claws (39-25, 77-57) and helped Lakewood keep pace with first-place West Virginia. Lakewood remains 3 ½ games behind the Power after West Virginia took a 7-3 win over Lexington.

The BlueClaws will go for the series win on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park. Chance Chapman (7-5) will take the mound for the BlueClaws, while southpaw Nate Nery (5-3) will go for Delmarva (35-28, 73-59).

Five hits for Lakewood not enough

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws playoff chances took another blow on Monday night, as Lakewood lost their fourth straight game, 8-3, to Delmarva at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws offense collected just five hits, three of which were doubles, against Delmarva starter Sean Gleason and a pair of relievers. Herman Demmink was the only Lakewood hitter to find any sustained success. The utility man spent the game in the leadoff spot, finishing 2-for-4 with two doubles, a walk and an RBI.

Lakewood did make it interesting with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth against reliever Hank Williamson, to cut into a six-run Delmarva lead. The BlueClaws scored the runs on just two hits, with the only RBI going to Karl Bolt.

But the rally was too little, too late, as Delmarva added a run in the top of the ninth and cruised to victory. Gleason (12-1) took a well-deserved victory, holding Lakewood to just one run in six innings. Gleason limited the ‘Claws to three hits in his time on the mound, though he did walk five to give Lakewood plenty of chances to get on the board.

Vance Worley had one of his toughest starts of the season, putting the BlueClaws in an early hole. Worley (2-2) gave up seven runs, five of which were earned, in five innings of work.

Walley Crancer got the scoring going with a two-run home run off of Worley in the second. Tyler Henson kept things rolling two innings later with a long ball of his own. Worley had allowed just two home runs in his first 51 innings with the BlueClaws, before giving up two dingers in the first three innings on Monday night.

Delmarva added three runs in the top of the fifth to chase Worley from the ballgame, as Henson had the big hit—a two-run base hit to make it a 6-1 Delmarva lead. Henson and Crancer each drove in three runs and each finished a triple shy of the cycle.

Lakewood (38-25, 76-57) fell 3 ½ games back of first-place West Virginia, as the Power took a 4-1 win in Lexington on Monday. The BlueClaws have seven games remaining in the regular season, while the Power have six games to play.

The BlueClaws will send Julian Sampson (10-4) to the mound against Delmarva (35-27, 73-58) on Tuesday night at 7:05 at FirstEnergy Park. The Shorebirds will counter with their own ten-game winner, Luis Noel (10-8).

Lakewood three back with eight to go

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- Lakewood''s bats were absent on Sunday afternoon, as the BlueClaws dropped their third straight to Lake County, this time a 3-0 defeat at Classic Park.

Joanniel Montero got things going for the Captains with his best start of the season. The Lake County right-hander pitched five crisp innings, giving up just three hits in his time on the mound. Montero (4-6) also struck out a season-high six batters.

The BlueClaws did collect eight hits, including two in the same inning on three separate occasions. But real chances were few and far between, with the best chance to score not coming until the eighth inning against reliever John Gaub. Freddy Galvis tried to score from second base on a base hit from Tim Kennelly, but the Lakewood shortstop was thrown out at home plate by Adam White in centerfield.

Lakewood''s lack of offense meant a tough-luck loss for starter Mike Cisco. The 2008 draft selection did not allow an earned run in his fifth straight start, but a Matt Rizzotti error led to a fifth inning unearned run. Cisco (2-1) allowed three hits and did not walk a batter in five innings. He also struck out five.

Cisco''s control has been nearly perfect in his time with Lakewood. In 28 innings with the BlueClaws, Cisco has not walked a single hitter.

Any chances for a comeback were made more difficult by a pair of runs scored by Lake County in the seventh. With Walter Tejeda on the mound, Karexon Sanchez drove in two runs with a two-out double. Both runners that scored reached via a walk from Tejeda, who had not pitched in over a week before two innings on Sunday.

Gaub slammed the door in the ninth inning, striking out the side for his second save of the season. The Captains reliever stuck out five in his two innings of work.

West Virginia will not take the field until later Sunday night. At the time of the final out, the BlueClaws trailed the Power by three full games with eight games remaining for both teams in the regular season.

The BlueClaws next challenge will be at FirstEnergy Park on Monday night at 7:05, when the ''Claws (38-24, 76-56) welcome in Delmarva for a three game series. Vance Worley (2-1) will take the mound for Lakewood, while the Shorebirds will send their ace Sean Gleason (11-1) to the hill.

''Claws lose ninth inning lead in 6-5 loss to Lake County

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- The BlueClaws suffered another critical defeat on Saturday night at Classic Park, as Chris Kissock was unable to close out a ninth inning lead and Lake County pulled out a 6-5 walk-off win.

Lakewood held a 5-4 lead heading to the bottom half of the ninth inning, but Kissock was unable to nail down the victory. The right-hander, who lasted just 1/3 innings on Friday night, struggled again, giving up three hits in the final frame.

Jeff Hehr led off the ninth with a base hit, setting up the game-winning rally off of Kissock (4-6). After a bunt and a base hit, Hehr touched home plate on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Karexon Sanchez. Kissock intentionally walked Friday''s hero Matt McBride to face Dustin Realini. Realini chopped a ball toward Freddy Galvis that would have gone as an infield single, but the BlueClaws shortstop tried to get the lead runner at third and threw the ball away to allow the winning run to score.

Derrick Mitchell had given the ''Claws a ninth-inning lead with a lead-off long ball off of Paulo Espino that snapped a 4-4 deadlock. It was Mitchell''s second home run of the series and 10th home run of the season. Espino (2-0) took the win despite giving up the home run to the Lakewood second baseman. He struck out four batters in his 2 1/3 innings and gave up just the one run.

The loss dropped the BlueClaws to 2 1/2 games behind first-place West Virignia with nine games left to be played in the regular season. The Power opened their series in Lexington with a convincing 6-0 win over the Legends. West Virginia has eight games remaining--three more against Lexington and five at home with Kannapolis.

Lakewood jumped out to a 4-1 lead off of Lake County starter Joey Mahalic. The Captains right-hander gave up four runs on seven hits in four innings of work. Lakewood''s biggest rally came in the fourth, when the ''Claws pushed across a pair. Herman Demmink picked up an RBI base hit before Mitchell drove in another on a fielder''s choice.

But Lake County evened the game against Lakewood starter Mike Stutes with three runs in the fifth. Matt Brown''s bases loaded single tied the game at 4-4 and chased Stutes from the game. Stutes had his rockiest outing of the season, lasting just 4 2/3 innings, giving up four earned runs on five hits. He walked four and struck out six.

Lakewood (38-23, 76-55) has now lost two straight games after winning three in a row. They will send Mike Cisco (2-0) to the mound in the series finale with Lake County (29-31, 70-60), while the Captains will counter with Joanniel Montero (3-6). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. on Sunday.

Lakewood falls 6-5 after walk-off long ball

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- Matt McBride hit a walk-off three-run home run with two outs in the ninth to hand the BlueClaws a crushing 6-5 loss. The Lakewood defeat, coupled with a win by West Virginia kept the BlueClaws a game and a half game behind the first-place Power.

Jared Simon was forced to try for a five-out save and was one pitch away from getting it, but McBride, who was pinch hitting for Juan Valdes, crushed a fastball out of Classic Park for the game-winning runs.

The BlueClaws bullpen undid much of the hard work done by the offense and Chance Chapman with three four shaky innings of relief. Once again, usually reliable Zack Sterner and Chris Kissock faltered. Sterner gave up two runs on four hits in two innings, while Kissock only managed one out in the eighth.

Simon (6-3) entered with one out in the eighth and allowed one inherited runner to score, but held Lakewood''s lead at 5-3 heading to the ninth. After a long, but ultimately unproductive inning for the BlueClaws in the top of the ninth, Simon returned and could not close out the win.

Travis D''Arnaud and Mike Durant each homered in the second inning to give Lakewood an early lead against All Star starter Ryan Miller. The home run for D''Arnaud was the second of the season for the young catcher, who has played just seven games with the BlueClaws. Durant''s long ball was his 17th of the season, the third most of any BlueClaws hitter in franchise history.

Matt Rizzotti added an opposite field big fly off of Miller. Miller, who won his first seven decisions this season, has not won since May. The southpaw gave up four runs, all earned, in his 6 2/3 innings of work. He allowed ten hits and walked one.

While Miller was struggling, his Lakewood counterpart was not. Chance Chapman made his first start since August 3, going five scoreless innings. After missing nearly three weeks with neck stiffness, Chapman was on from the start. He gave up just four hits, struck out six and did not walk a batter.

The loss snapped the BlueClaws (38-22, 76-54) winning streak at four games. It was also the Captains (28-31, 69-60) 12th win of the season against the BlueClaws, ensuring Lake County of a win in the season series.

Lakewood will send one of their best to the mound on Saturday night, when Mike Stutes (4-1) takes the hill. Joey Mahalic (7-5) will start for the Captains.

Lakewood wins third straight

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- Julian Sampson put together one of his best performances of the season to help the BlueClaws to a 5-1 victory over the Lake County Captains on Thursday night at Classic Park.

Sampson pitched six scoreless innings to power the ''Claws to their third straight win. The 19-year old right-hander gave up four hits and walked one, but picked up a pair of doubleplays in the first two frames to stay out of trouble. Sampson (10-4) struck out one and became the second Lakewood pitcher to reach the 10-win mark, joining Zack Sterner.

Lakewood got most of their offense early in support of Sampson, chasing Lake County starter Ryan Morris after 5 1/3 innings. The ''Claws scored three runs in the third against Morris (8-5). Lakewood used four hits and a walk to get to the Captains southpaw in the third inning, including RBI hits from Freddy Galvis and Matt Rizzotti. Tim Kennelly drove in another run in the inning with a fielder''s choice.

Derrick Mitchell hit just his second home run since May, slugging a fifth inning home run off of Morris to make it a four-run advantage. Morris was responsible for all five Lakewood runs, giving up seven hits and walking four in his time on the mound.

Travis Mattair added another run with a RBI base hit in the fifth inning. It was Mattair''s 50th RBI of the season.

Lake County did not get on the board until the ninth against reliever Reymond Cruz. Chris Nash took Cruz deep to open the frame, but the ''Claws right-hander closed out the game by getting the next trhree hitters in order.

Moises Melendez was strong in his two innings out of the bullpen. The Lakewood lefty struck out three without allowing a run.

Lakewood (38-21, 76-53) moved within a half game of first-place West Virginia, though they evened the standings in the loss column. The Power were outslugged by Asheville 12-8. West Virginia has now lost three straight games.

Lakewood will try to clinch a victory in the five-game set with the Captains (27-31, 68-60) on Friday night at 7:05. Chance Chapman (7-5) will return to the mound after missing three straight starts with neck stiffness. All Star game starter Ryan Miller (7-7) will take the mound for Lake County.

Lakewood moves withing a game and a half of West Virginia

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- For the first three months of the 2008 season, the Lake County Captains were one of the only teams to have the BlueClaws number. Two months since their last meeting, Lakewood hopes that time has shifted their fortunes. The BlueClaws got their five-game series with the Captains off to an exciting start at Classic Park on Wednesday night, handing the first-half champions a controversy filled 8-5 defeat.

Lake County rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game, courtesy of a pair of questionable calls. With Eryk McConnell on the mound, Karexon Sanchez was  hit by a pitch that he appeared to lean into.

Later in the inning, Juan Valdes tied the game with a three-run inside-the-park home run. Valdes hit the ball into the Lake County bullpen, out of the reach of rightfielder Tim Kennelly. Kennelly raised his hands signaling the ball was out of his reach, but after neither umprire responded to his gesture and he picked the ball up, leading to the home run. Manager Steve Roadcap and first baseman Matt Rizzotti were both ejected for arguing the call.

But Lakewood responded in the very next half inning, scoring three runs in the ninth to earn the victory. Derrick Mitchell was hit by a pitch to start the frame and Freddy Galvis reached on a passed ball on a strikeout. Karl Bolt, who entered only after Rizzotti was ejected, doubled to score both runners and make it 7-5.

Tim Kennelly made it a three-run game with a base hit that scored Bolt.

Vance Worley, who had lasted just five innings in each of his last three starts, gave Lakewood swix strong frames on Wednesday, although he took a tough-luck no decision. The 3rd round selection out of Long Beach State gave up just one run on six hits. He struck out five and walked only one. Lakewood is now 6-3 in Worley''s nine starts this season.

Chris Kissock (4-5) took the win by getting the final out of the eighth inning. Jared Simon hit the first batter he faced, but did manage to get the final three outs in order for his 27th save of the season.

Lakewood took an early lead against Lake County starter Chris Archer, picking up three runs in the top of the third inning. It was Mike Durant that had the biggest hit in the rally, picking up a two-out double to score Rizzotti and Kennelly. Kennelly had put the BlueClaws on the board with a RBI fielder''s choice one batter earlier.

Durant also slugged a two-run home run in the eighth inning, his 16th of the season, to give the BlueClaws a 5-1 lead. Durant''s four RBI performance was his second game this season with four or more RBIs and his most since driving in seven at Hagerstown on August 9.

The BlueClaws (37-21, 75-53) moved within a game and a half of West Virginia in the race for the second half championship. Julian Sampson (9-4) will try to keep things going for the ''Claws, while lefty Ryan Morris (8-4) will counter for the Captains (27-30, 68-59).

Lakewood avoids first home sweep of the season

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Lakewood needed a win to avoid being swept at home for the first time this season at FirstEnergy Park, and they got just that, taking a convincing 9-1 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs on Monday night.

Mike Cisco helped the BlueClaws move to 4-0 in his starts with five solid innings in what was basically a must-win game for Lakewood. The 21-year old right-hander did allow the first run in any of his starts, though it was unearned. Cisco (2-0) allowed five hits and did not walk a batter. He has now thrown 23 innings in a Lakewood uniform without issuing a single walk.

By the time Zack Sterner entered for Cisco in the sixth the BlueClaws led comfortably, 4-1, and wasted little time putting the game out of reach. Lakewood scored one run in the bottom of the sixth and four in the bottom of the seventh, all off of Gabe Medina, to finish up the scoring.

Derrick Mitchell led the offensive charge, finishing 3-for-4 with three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. And though the ‘Claws combined for 12 hits, Freddy Galvis was the only other player with a multi-hit outing, as the 18-year old shortstop finished 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs.

Travis D’Arnaud continued his hot start to his BlueClaws career, slugging a monster home run to lead off the third inning. D’Arnaud is now hitting .412 over his first four games with Lakewood with five runs scored and two RBIs.

Lakewood picked up three runs in the first against Charleston starter Adam Olbrachowski (6-8) to take an early lead. Olbrachowski issued a bases loaded walk to Mike Durant to plate the first run of the game, before second baseman Prilys Cuello booted a Travis Mattair groundball to bring in two more.

Mattiar was the only starter in the BlueClaws lineup to go hitless, though he did have a clean single to left taken away in bizarre fashion. With Durant at first and no outs, the ‘Claws third baseman ripped a base hit. Durant seemingly went first to third on the play, but Charleston (27-28, 72-53) successfully appealed that he missed second base, turning Mattair’s single into a fielder’s choice.

The BlueClaws (36-21, 74-53) also suffered a setback in the top of the sixth inning, when Dominic Brown injured his left shoulder diving for a ball in centerfield off the bat of Jesus Montero. The ball dropped in for a triple, but the far larger loss could be that of Brown. The extent of his injury is unknown, but he was forced to leave the game.

Lakewood will take a day off on Tuesday, before heading to Lake County for a five game series starting on Wednesday at Classic Park. Right-hander Vance Worley (2-1) will make the start for the BlueClaws, with South Atlantic League walks leader Chris Archer (4-8) going for the Captains.

Stutes takes first loss with Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The Charleston RiverDogs handed Mike Stutes his first loss in a BlueClaws uniform, as Lakewood dropped their third straight, 9-5, on Sunday evening at FirstEnergy Park.

Stutes (4-1) only gave up three runs, all in the first inning, but that was enough for Charleston to hang on the rest of the way. The BlueClaws right-hander, an 11^th round draft selection in 2008, allowed just four hits and walked three. He also struck out eight, the second most in any outing in his career.

But the Lakewood offense did not provide Stutes any support and the BlueClaws starter departed with his side trailing 3-0. The ‘Claws managed 12 hits, but did not get on the board until the game was long out of reach.

Mike Durant drove in Travis D’Arnaud on a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it a 6-1 game. The BlueClaws got four more in the ninth on RBI hits from T.J. Warren, Dominic Brown and Matt Rizzotti and a wild pitch from Angel Reyes. Lakewood got six hits in the ninth off of Reyes, but still fell well short of the eight runs they needed to force extras.

Reyes had four wild pitches in the ninth inning, his only on the mound. He got just one out and gave up four runs on six hits. Closer Jonathan Ortiz came in and got the final two outs in order to pick up his 31^st save of the season.

Ryan Zink put together a solid outing in his first start of the season for the RiverDogs, in place of Jairo Heredia, who was a scratch for the game. Zink, who had made 21 relief appearances this season, pitched four scoreless innings and gave up just two hits, but did not factor in the decision.

Lakewood’s comeback efforts would have been made considerably easier had it not been for a pair of rocky innings from BlueClaws relievers. Reymond Cruz allowed three runs to cross in seventh, while Jared Simon came in and gave up a seemingly meaningless three runs in the top of the ninth to make is 9-1. Simon had an especially tough outing, giving up three runs on four hits in his only inning of work.

Stephen Artz (1-0) got the victory with four innings of relief. The right-hander gave up one run in his four frames on four hits.

The BlueClaws will try to avoid being swept in a four-game series for the first time since losing four straight in Greensboro on May 12-15. That is the only time Lakewood (35-21, 73-53) has been swept in a four-game set this season.

Lakewood will send Mike Cisco (1-0) to the mound to counter the RiverDogs (27-27, 72-53), who have won five of seven on their current roadtrip. Charleston will send Adam Olbrychowski (6-7) to the hill.

BlueClaws outhit 13-5 in 4-3 loss to Charleston

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws offense went quiet on Saturday night against Charleston, recording only five hits in a 4-3 loss to the RiverDogs at FirstEnergy Park.

The loss put Lakewood two games back in the race for the second-half North Division title, as West Virginia claimed a 9-1 victory over the Greenville Drive. The BlueClaws were tied for first just two days ago, but have no lost back-to-back games for the first time since July 22 and 23. Lakewood has lost multiple games in a row just three previous times in the second half and has not lost two straight games at FirstEnergy Park since June 21 and 22.

Despite tallying just five hits, the BlueClaws were still in it until the end and had the tying run in scoring position when the game came to a close. Lakewood spotted the RiverDogs a 4-0 lead in the first two innings and had to climb back, only to see their rally fall just short. Lakewood cut the gap to one with a  run in the bottom of the ninth, but Dominic Brown grounded out with runners at first and second to end the game.

Lakewood started the comeback with a pair of runs in the fifth inning against Charleston starter Dellin Betances. Betances (8-4) had allowed just one baserunner heading into the frame, but the BlueClaws put on three straight to start the inning, before T.J. Warren brought home the first runs of the game with a base hit to rightfield.

Betances was dominant for most of his six inning starts, as he allowed only the two earned runs on three hits and two walks. He also struck out 12 batters, including the side in the sixth, the most strikeouts by a single pitcher against the BlueClaws (35-20, 73-52) this season. Lakewood struck out a season-high 14 times in the game.

Charleston struck for their runs early against BlueClaws starter Walter Tejeda. The southpaw allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in the first inning and surrenedered one more on back-to-back hits in the second. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits and two walks.

And while Tejeda (4-7) struggled, the bullpen was great again. Moises Melendez escaped one of Tejeda’s jams when he came in with two runners in scoring position and just one out in the fifth on his way to firing 2 2/3 shutout innings. Eryk McConnell finished out the game with two scoreless frames.

Lakewood will try to get back on the right track Sunday evening at FirstEnergy Park at 5:05. Mike Stutes will go for his fifth win in as many starts for Lakewood, while right-hander Ryan Zink will make a spot start for the RiverDogs (26-27, 71-52).

Sunday will be the first-ever Nine Innings For Nature at the ballpark, presented by New Jersey Natural Gas and Renewal by Anderson. Eco-friendly business will be in attendance starting at 2:00 p.m. and will be present throughout the game. There will also be a number of rides and games for the younger fans, as well as free ice cream.

Lakewood falls after taking 4-0 lead in first

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws squandered a great chance to start their series with the Charleston RiverDogs on a positive note, instead falling 7-5 to the New York Yankees affiliate on Friday night at FirstEnergy Park.

Lakewood took an early 4-0 lead with four runs in the home half of the first inning, but went down scoreless in the next seven innings, giving Charleston plenty of time to make up the deficit. Lakewood had their chances as the game went along, as the BlueClaws amassed 13 hits in the game, but they stranded 12 men on base.

Andrew Romine broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning against Chris Kissock, driving a double to left-centerfield to score two and give Charleston a lead they would not relinquish. It was the second straight rocky outing for Kissock (3-5), who had been one of the BlueClaws most steady relievers, gave up three earned runs in 1 1/3 innings to take the loss. The right-hander has given up seven earned runs in his last 2 1/3 innings after a 23 2/3 innings scoreless streak entering this homestand.

The BlueClaws beat up Charleston starter Lance Pendleton in the first, putting the first five runs on base to start the game. Tim Kennelly had the biggest hit of the early rally with a bases-loaded double that drove in two and put the first runs on the board. Travis D’Arnaud also picked up an RBI in the first at-bat of his BlueClaws career to make it a four-run Lakewood lead.

Charleston made it a game off of Julian Sampson in the third, scoring three runs, including a pair on a long home run off the bat of Jesus Montero. Montero was a offensive force for the RiverDogs, going 2-for-3 with two walks.

The ‘Dogs tied the game just one inning later, as Abraham Almonte shot a single through the right side to plate Austin Krum. Sampson did not factor in the decision, giving Lakewood six innings in his start. He allowed four runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out four.

Reymond Cruz gave the BlueClaws 1 2/3 innings of solid relief. He entered with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth and allowed just one inherited runner to score on a flare to leftfield, before pitching out of trouble and cruising through the ninth.

The BlueClaws (35-19, 73-51) made a push in the ninth against closer Jonathan Ortiz, picking up a run on back-to-back hits from D’Arnaud and Mike Durant. But Ortiz struck out Travis Mattair and Jay Miller to end the game and pick up his 30^th save of the season.

The BlueClaws fall to a game behind West Virginia in the second half standings, as the Power took a 5-1 victory over Greenville.

Lakewood, which has still won seven of its last nine games, will try to even the series with Charleston (25-27, 70-52) on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park. Southpaw Walter Tejeda (4-6) will take the hill for the BlueClaws, while Dellin Betances (7-4) is scheduled to start for the RiverDogs.

Brown scores on error to close out comeback victory

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws retained their grip on first place in dramatic fashion on a rainy Thursday night at FirstEnergy Park, claiming a walk-off 3-2 win over the Savannah Sand Gants.

Lakewood trailed 2-1 going into the final frame, but got back-to-back baserunners on a pair of infield hits to start the inning. After two unproductive outs, Freddy Galvis was the hero, driving in Derrick Mitchell from third to tie the game. Junior Guerra (1-1) then threw the ball into centerfield trying to pick off Galvis, allowing Dominic Brown to trot home from third and score the winning run.

The BlueClaws remain in a first-place tie with West Virginia, who won their game in Augusta, 3-1, to snap a three-game losing streak. The ‘Claws also won three-of-four from Savannah in the first meeting of the clubs since 2004.

Lakewood had been unable to capitalize on numerous opportunities over the first eight innings. Sand Gnats starter John Holdzkom struggled mightily with his control, but was in line for the win before the BlueClaws comeback. The 6-foot-10 right-hander walked six batters in the first three innings, but Lakewood managed just one run out of it. Both Travis Mattair and Matt Rizzotti were thrown out trying to score at home in the first three innings as well.

Savannah took a 2-0 lead against starter Vance Worley, who labored through his five innings of work. Nick Giarraputo and Michael Parker each picked up RBI base hits against Worley in the second inning, two of four against the 20-year old right-hander.

Zack Sterner provided four critical innings of relief. Sterner (10-2) issued a leadoff base hit to the first batter he faced, but did not allow another base runner, retiring the final 12 hitters in order. He became the first BlueClaws pitcher since Carlos Monasterios in 2007 to reach the 10 win mark.

Mattair was the only BlueClaws hitter to pick up more than one hit in the game, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk. Lakewood combined for just six hits in the win, three of which came in the ninth inning.

Lakewood next welcomes the Charleston RiverDogs to FirstEnergy Park for four games starting on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Lakewood will send Julian Samspson (9-4) to the mound to face the New York Yankees South Atlantic League affiliate.

Cisco, Bolt help BlueClaws to victory over Savannah

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws got another great pitching performance from Mike Cisco on Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park, as the Lakewood BlueClaws rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Savannah Sand Gnats to move into a first-place tie in the North Division with West Virginia.

The BlueClaws win, coupled with a 4-2 Augusta win over the Power, pushed Lakewood into a tie for first place for the first time since the second game of the second half.

And as has become routine for the BlueClaws, it was a victory predicated on a strong pitching performance. Cisco went five shutout innings in another spot start in place of the injured Chance Chapman. Cisco gave up just three hits without walking a batter, but did not factor in decision, despite departing with the ‘Claws leading 2-0.

Cisco was robbed of his second career win thanks to a pair of sixth inning runs against rehabbing Major Leaguer Rudy Seanez. Seanez became the ninth player to join the BlueClaws with previous Big League experience with one inning of relief. The 39-year old right-hander gave up a pair of unearned runs on three straight two-out baserunners, including a triple off the right-centerfield wall from Carlos Guzman that tied the game.

Seanez (1-0) was handed his second win in as many rehab appearances, however, as Karl Bolt doubled in Travis Mattair in the home half of the sixth to give the BlueClaws the lead for good.

Moises Melendez pitched two terrific innings of relief by allowing just one walk and striking out three. Jared Simon breezed through the ninth with two strikeouts to earn his 26^th save of the season.

Mattair helped put the BlueClaws up early with his fourth home run of the season, a fourth inning solo shot off of Savannah starter Mark Cohoon. Cohoon was the third consecutive Sand Gnats starter that was unable to make it through the fifth inning, as he was pulled after 4 2/3. He too was dealt a no decision, after giving up two earned runs on five hits and three walks.

Tim Kennelly got Lakewood on the board in the third with a two-out RBI single off of Cohoon. It was the first of two RBI hits for the BlueClaws rightfielder.

Brad Burns (0-2) took the loss in relief for the Gnats, throwing 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He gave up two earned runs on three hits, while walking one and striking one out.

Lakewood (34-18, 72-50) now controls their own destiny as they try to finish off a series win with the Gnats (22-28, 55-65) on Thursday night. Lakewood will send a member of the 2008 Draft class to the mound for the third straight game, as Vance Worley (2-1)  takes to the hill. Maikel Cleto (4-10) will counter for Savannah.

Right-hander throws seven one-hit innings to beat Savannah

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Mike Stutes delivered another masterful performance on Tuesday night, giving up just one hit in seven scoreless frames against Savannah to help the BlueClaws to a 4-0 victory over the Sand Gnats at FirstEnergy Park.

Stutes (4-0) took his fourth win in his fourth start in a BlueClaws uniform. He has now allowed one earned run in his first 26 South Atlantic League innings. Stutes, who was selected in the 11^th round of the 2008 Draft out of Oregon State, struck out six.

Savannah was without a hit against the BlueClaws right-hander through 6 1/3 innings. The first hit did not come until there was one out in the seventh, when Jefferies Tatford pushed a base hit through the left side. Stutes did walk three batters, but had faced the minimum through 5 2/3 innings thanks to a well-timed doubleplay.

Eryk McConnell and Jared Simon each pitched perfect innings to close out the game and hold Savannah to just one hit. It was the fewest hits allowed by the BlueClaws pitching staff this season. Lakewood limited opposition to two hits twice this season, last on July 17 at Hickory, when Vance Worley, Chris Kissock and Simon combined for a two-hit shutout.

Matt Rizzotti led the offensive charge against the Sand Gnats and their starter Eric Beaulac. The BlueClaws first baseman reached base in all four of his trips to the plate and drove in three runs. He also smashed his seventh home run of the season off of reliever Stephen Puhl in the seventh to put the ‘Claws up by four.

For the second straight game, Lakewood chased the Savannah starter early. On Monday, Brant Rustich lasted just four innings, while on Tuesday Beaulac survived only three innings. The right-hander gave up three earned runs on four hits. He also walked five, the most by any opposing pitcher against the BlueClaws this season, and struck out four.

Lakewood (33-18, 71-50) missed a number of early opportunities to put the game away early, stranding seven runners over the first four innings. The BlueClaws loaded up the bases with one out and could not score in the first inning and did not get on the board until the third. Rizzotti drove a base hit into centerfield to bring in the first run of the game.

The 10^th shutout of the season evened the series with the Sand Gnats (22-27, 55-64) heading to the final two games of the four-game set. The BlueClaws will send Chance Chapman (7-5) to the mound after missing his last start due to neck stiffness. Savannah will counter with left-hander Mark Cohoon (1-1).

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - A late Savannah rally spoiled one of the best starts of Walter Tejeda''s career, as the Sand Gnats took a 7-2 win on Monday night at FirstEnergy Park in their first visit to Lakewood since 2004.

Savannah scored four runs in the eighth inning to blow open a previously tightly contested ballgame to keep the BlueClaws two games behind first-place West Virginia in the second half standings. Chris Kissock, who entered with a 23 2/3 inning scoreless streak going, allowed five straight to reach base to start the inning, including a two-RBI double from Carlos Guzman.

The BlueClaws never led in the game, but entered the seventh inning on level footing, 2-2. The Sand Gnats got a single run in the seventh off of Zack Sterner (9- 2), thanks to an RBI double from Richard Pena.

Lakewood got a great start from Walter Tejeda, but was unable to take advantage. Tejeda did allow two earned runs in his six innings, but also struck out a career-high nine batters, while walking just two. The BlueClaws southpaw departed in a tie game and did not factor in the decision. Tejeda has not won a game since July 3, a span of seven starts.

The BlueClaws looked to be in good shape after evening the game with a pair of runs in the third to tie the game. Lakewood managed to chase Savannah starter Brant Rustich after just four innings, but could not get to Sand Gnats reliever Manny Olivares. Olivares (2-1) pitched five scoreless innings and struck out six.

Lakewood got both of their runs with two outs in the third off of Rustich, a second round selection in the 2007 Draft. Derrick Mitchell picked up a two-out double and came home on back-to-back wild pitches. Dominic Brown walked and stole second before Freddy Galvis drove him in with a base hit to tie the game.

Rustich did strike out seven in his four innings, as Lakewood went down on strikes 13 times in the game, one shy of their season high.

The ''Claws tallied just eight hits in the game, as no Lakewood hitter picked up more than a single hit. Brown was the only hitter to reach twice and he did it on a pair of walks.

Lakewood (32-18, 70-50) had a chance to gain a game on the Power, who dropped a 6-0 decision to Augusta, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

The BlueClaws still lead the all-time series with Savannah, 11-6, and will try to extend their advantage on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park. Mike Stutes (3-0) will go for his fourth win in as many starts with the ''Claws, while right-hander Eric Beaulac (1-0) will take the hill for Savannah.

Lakewood claims series sweep over Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Mike Durant matched a BlueClaws franchise record with seven RBIs on Saturday night to help Lakewood to a 11-4 victory over the Suns and a four-game series sweep.

Duarant finished 3-for-6 with a home run and two doubles. He went deep for the 15th time this season in the third inning to drive in three and give Lakewood a 4-0 lead. He added a pair of two-RBI doubles--one in the fifth and one in the sixth.

Kevin Howard is the only other player to record seven RBIs in a game in a Lakewood uniform, doing so on June 10, 2007.

Durant''s long ball was one of three the BlueClaws hit against Hagerstown. Dominic Brown hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, his ninth of the season, and T.J. Warren recorded his second home run of the season in the seventh.

Though slightly overshadowed by Durant, Brown had a huge offensive day. The BlueClaws centerfielder reached base five times in six trips to the plate. He finished 3-for-4, was hit by a pitch and walked. He scored three runs as well. Freddy Galvis also reached base five times, while Matt Rizzotti got on four times. The BlueClaws combined for 17 hits in the game, two shy of their season high.

Most of the damage was done against Hagerstown starter Bradley Meyers (8-6). Meyers was forced to leave three batters into the fifth inning after not recording an out in the frame. He allowed seven runs, six earned, on eight hits in four official innings.

The Suns were forced to use four different relievers over the final five innings, as each Chris Lugo and James Lehman gave up two runs in their brief stints on the mound.

Lakewood (32-17, 70-49) jumped out to a 7-0 lead, though the Suns managed to trim it to just a three-run advantage off of Julian Sampson in the fifth. Hagerstown scored four runs, three earned, off of Sampson in the fifth inning. Sampson (9-4) gave up four runs in his six innings of work on seven hits.

Moises Melendez pitched the final three innings in scoreless fashion to cement the victory.

The win marked Lakewood''s third four-game sweep of the season, as all three have come on the road. The BlueClaws will take an off day on Sunday, before returning to FirstEnergy Park to start an eight-game homestand. The first game will come at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, as the Savannah Sand Gnats, the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets, visit New Jersey.

''Claws 25 2/3 inning scoreless streak comes to an end

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- The BlueClaws shut down Hagerstown once again on Friday night at Municipal Stadium, as Lakewood recorded their third straight convincing victory with a 4-3 win.

The BlueClaws pitching staff had combined for 25 2/3 straight scoreless frames before the Suns pushed across a run without a hit in the eighth. It was the Suns first run of the series.

Lakewood started a 2008 draftee for the third straight game and once again the youngster delivered. Vance Worley joined Mike Stutes and Mike Cisco in making a start this series and helping the BlueClaws to a win. Worley (2-1) threw five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. The 3rd round selection out of Long Beach State did not walk a batter.

Zack Sterner followed with three innings, giving up just one unearned run before Jared Simon entered and gave up a two runs but got the final three outs. Sterner allowed just one hit and struck out three in his time on the mound. Simon earned his 25th save of the season, despite allowing a pair of runs on three hits a walk. He got Mark Gildea to ground into a game-ending doubleplay with the tying run in scoring position.

Lakewood handed Hagerstown starter Tom Milone his first professional loss, as the 2008 draft pick out of USC gave up three runs, two earned, on four hits in six innings. Lakewood cracked the Suns lefty in the third by picking up a pair of runs on a two-out, two-RBI double.

The BlueClaws tacked on an unearned runs one inning later, thanks to an error on the shortstop Jose Lozada that scored Mike Durant.

Lakewood''s offense was far from spectacular, but took advantage of their opportunities. The BlueClaws (31-17, 69-49) managed their four runs on just seven hits and no Lakewood player had more than one base hit.

The ''Claws will go for their thrid four-game sweep of the season on Saturday night at 7:05 at Municipal Stadium. Julian Sampson (8-4) will take the bump for the ''Claws, while Bradley Myers (8-5) will go for the Suns (20-28, 54-63).

Cisco, McConnell and Cruz combine to blank Suns

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Lakewood shut out Hagerstown for the second consecutive game on Thursday night, taking a 7-0 victory over the Suns behind Mike Cicso and Eryk McConnell at Municipal Stadium.

Cisco was a last minute replacement for scheduled starter Chance Chapman, who was scratched due to an injury, and the move ended up working out as well as possible for the ''Claws. Cisco (1-0) was brilliant in his five innings, giving up just three hits and no walks. He also struck out four while keeping Hagerstown off the board.

The Suns managed just five hits in the game, thanks also to three strong innings of relief from McConnell. The former North Carolina State hurler allowed two hits in his time on the mound, but erased the runner each time with a groundball doubleplay. Lakewood turned three doubleplays in the game.

Reymond Cruz pitched a perfect ninth inning to close out the second straight shutout. Lakewood has fired 18 consecutive scoreless frames, setting a new season high. It was the first time the BlueClaws have pitched consecutive shutouts and it was the ninth clean sheet of the season.

On the other side, the BlueClaws offense roughed up Cole Kimball over his six innings on the mound. Kimball fell to 1-4 this season against the ''Claws, giving up five runs on five hits. He also walked three batters and hit one.

Lakewood (30-17, 68-49) got all the offense that they would need in the third inning against Kimball, with all the damage being done with two outs. Joel Naughton singled with two away before T.J. Warren drew a walk. Derrick Mitchell got the scoring going with a RBI single and Dominic Brown followed by driving in two more with a double.

Brown, Warren and Mitchell each drove in two. The only other RBI went to Matt Rizzotti, who made it 4-0 with a two-out double to drive in Mitchell.

Right-hander strikes out 12 to beat Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Mike Stutes continued to dominate South Atlantic League competition, giving Lakewood seven dominant innings to help the BlueClaws to a 4-0 victory over Hagerstown on Wednesday night at Municipal Stadium.

Stutes, an 11th round draft pick in 2008, did not allow a run in his seven frames on the mound. He gave up just three hits total, but did not allow a base hit after the fourth. Stutes (2-0) also struck out a career-high 12 batters, while walking just two.

Stutes lowered his ERA with Lakewood to a microscopic 0.47 in three starts. He has given up just one run with 24 strikeouts in his first 19 innings with the ''Claws.

Chris Kissock came in a pitched the final two scoreless innings to pull Lakewood (29-17, 67-49) within a game and a half of idle first-place West Virginia and give the rest of the bullpen a much needed rest. The BlueClaws were forced to use six pitchers in a 15-inning loss to Greensboro on Tuesday night. It was the eighth shutout of the season by Lakewood pitching and first since a 1-0 victory over Kannapolis on July 28.

Kissock and Stutes combined to strike out 15 hitters, a new season high for the BlueClaws. Michael Burgess was the only Suns hitter not to go down on strikes.

It was another of the BlueClaws newest members that made the biggest offensive impact. Luis Arzeno, who hit just .190 in 11 games in the GCL before joining Lakewood on Tuesday, finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs in his BlueClaws debut.

Travis Mattair was the only other BlueClaws player to pick up a multi-hit game as they combined for just seven hits. Mattair went 2-for-4 and scored a pair of runs, including the game-winner off of starter Colton Willems (5-9).

Willems, a former first round draft pick, lasted just five innings, giving up two earned runs. Both runs came across in the fifth inning on three consecutive hits, including RBI singles from Arzeno and Mattair.

Lakewood added two more against the bullpen in the seventh. With Ryan Buchter on the hill, the BlueClaws took advantage of a Mike Durant leadoff double to pile on some insurance.

The two sides will continue the series on Thursday night with a 7:05 first pitch. Chance Chapman (7-5) will try to make it two straight wins for the ''Claws, while Cole Kimball (4-6) will counter for the Suns (20-26, 54-61).

Stanton homers to give Grasshoppers 8-7 win

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The BlueClaws inability to close out a three-run ninth-inning lead led to the longest game of the season and a loss for Lakewood. Mike Stanton''s league-leading 29th home run led off the bottom of the 15th inning and gave Greensboro a 8-7 victory on Tuesday night at NewBridge Bank Park.

Jared Simon gave up a three-run home run to Justin Jacobs in the bottom of the ninth that tied the game, 7-7, and forced bonus baseball. Simon was in search of his 25th save of the season, but could not hold down the late lead built behind a batch of BlueClaws long balls.

After five scoreless extra frames, Stanton took Moises Melendez (3-3) deep to open the 15th and end the game. Stanton reached base in each of his final seven plate appearances.

The BlueClaws chances were few and far between in the extra frames, as the first nine hitters to come to the plate in the 10th, 11th and 12th were retired in order. Lakewood put five runners on base in the final six innings, including loading the bases in the 13th with one out, but could never push a run across.

Freddy Galvis, Mike Durant and Travis Mattair all went deep to help Lakewood stake a big lead. The BlueClaws posted five of their runs in third inning off of starter Brett Durand, all five crossing on long balls.

Galvis got the scoring going with his third homer of the season, a three run shot down the rightfield line. It was Galvis'' second home run of the season in Greensboro, though the first was of the inside-the-park variety.

Durant followed three batters later with his team-leading 14th home run of the season to bring in two more off of Durand. The ''Hoppers righty did finish the inning, but was done after just three innings, giving up five runs on six hits.

Mattair launched his third homer of the season with a solo shot to lead off the fourth inning. It was the fifth time this season that Lakewood had combined to hit three home runs in a game.

Walter Tejeda held up his end of the bargain, giving the BlueClaws 5 1/3 innings. He did allow four runs, three earned, with three of them coming in the bottom of the third. Ryan Curry''s two-RBI double put the Grasshoppers on the board and Justin Jacobs followed with a sacrifice fly to make it a 5-3 Lakewood lead.

Lakewood was forced to use five pitchers after the departure of Tejeda--Reymond Cruz, Mike Cisco, Simon, Zack Sterner and Melendez. Greensboro was forced to go through seven total pitchers.

Chris Bodishbaugh (1-2) took the victory with two scoreless frames of work out of the bullpen.

Lakewood next heads to Hagerstown to start a four-game series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Mike Stutes will make the start for the ''Claws, while right-hander Chris Kelly (1-0) will take the hill for the Suns.

Galvis, Brown each drive in two

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The BlueClaws bats were back on Monday night, as Lakewood took a come-from-behind 6-4 victory over Greensboro at NewBridge Bank Park. A night after being shutout by the ''Hoppers, Lakewood guaranteed themselves at least a series split by putting up 11 hits.

The BlueClaws broke through with two runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 6-3 lead. Joel Naughton''s sixth inning two-out RBI single pulled the BlueClaws even, before Freddy Galvis brought in the go-ahead run with a double.

Lakewood started the seventh with four straight baserunners against reliever Peter Andrelczyk (0-3). Andrelczyk pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday night and was potentially showing signs of fatigue as he walked T.J. Warren to open the frame, before giving up three straight hits to Derrick Mitchell, Freddy Galvis and Dominic Brown. Brown''s base hit scored two to give the BlueClaws some extra breathing room.

Unlike Sunday night, when the BlueClaws were shutout in a 3-0 loss, Lakewood was constantly pressuring Greensboro. The ''Claws put the leadoff man on base in six consecutive innings from the third to the eighth. Mitchell, Galvis and Karl Bolt all picked up multi-hit games.

Julian Sampson (8-4) gave up all three Greensboro runs in his 6 2/3 innings of work. He was not at his best, but did more than enough to give the ''Claws an opportunity to come out ahead. He allowed eight hits and also walked four, while striking out four ''Hoppers hitters.

Sampson and reliever Chris Kissock were both the beneficiaries of some solid defense behind them. Lakewood turned three doubleplays, including a critical twin killing in the eighth inning that saved at least one run. With runners at the corners and one out against Kissock, Torre Langley bounced a grounder to Galvis, who made a glove flip to turn two.

Sanabia holds ''Claws to just four hits

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- One night after their largest offensive output of the season, the BlueClaws were held off the board on Sunday night at NewBridge Bank Park, as Greensboro posted a 3-0 win.

Alex Sanabia was fantastic in his start for the Grasshoppers, giving up no runs on four hits in seven innings. Sanabia (5-3) also struck out eight one night after Lakewood put up a season-best 14 runs including 12 in the first two innings.

This time, it was a different story for the BlueClaws, who saw their first nine hitters retired in order to start the game. Lakewood 0picked up only four hits all game long and just five baserunners.

Vance Worley (1-1) pitched well enough to keep the BlueClaws in the game, but found himself on the losing end of a ballgame for the first time in his Lakewood career. The 2008 third round draft pick gave up all three runs on six hits in five innings of work. The right-hander walked one and did not strike a batter out.

Greensboro got on the board against Worley in the third inning with a pair of runs thanks to back-to-back-to-back hits to start the frame. Jameson Smith, Justin Jacobs and Hunter Mense each singled, with Mense''s base hit bringing in the first run of the game. Mike Stanton followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

The ''Hoppers added to their lead in the fourth with a two-out RBI single from Jacobs.

Lakewood put just two runners into scoring position over the course of the game, but each came with two outs in an inning. The best chance to score came in the seventh, when Lakewood picked up consecutive hits from Mike Durant and Joel Naughton with two outs, but Travis Mattair flew out to end the threat.

Even the BlueClaws most consistent bats went cold on Sunday, as Freddy Galvis, Matt Rizzotti and Tim Kennelly combined to go 0-for-12 in the heart of the Lakewood order.

The BlueClaws will retake the field on Monday night at 7:00 trying to secure at least a series split in the four-game set. Julian Sampson (7-4) will go for the ''Claws, while righty Stuart Alexander (8-8) will take the bump for the ''Hoppers.

Lakewood scores 12 in first two innings

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The BlueClaws scored 12 runs in the first two innings to put away Greensboro early and cruised to a 14-5 victory on Saturday night at NewBridge Bank Park.

Lakewood scored six runs in both the first and second frames in support of starter Chance Chapman. The 14 runs were the most scored by the BlueClaws in a single game this season.

In a sign of things to come, Dominic Brown got the scoring going with a lead-off home run against Grasshoppers starter Bryan Evans (1-3). Evans got just one out before being pulled eight batters into the game. Evans was responsible for the first six runs of the game, giving up eight hits. He did strike out Matt Rizzotti for the only out he recorded.

The first man out of the ''pen, Chris Bodishbaugh, did not do much better, going just 1 2/3 innings, giving up six earned runs on four hits and four walks.

From top to bottom, nearly every BlueClaws hitter put up a gaudy line. Brown and Derrick Mitchell each drove in three runs, while Freddy Galvis, Mike Durant and Travis Mattair each brought in two. Eight of the nine BlueClaws hitters posted a multi-hit game, as Lakewood (27-15, 65-47) combined for 17 hits.

Chapman (7-5) earned the victory despite a rocky outing. The 24-year old righy pitched six innings and gave up four runs, all earned, on nine hits. He did strike out seven, but never looked comfertable with a the big lead under his belt.

Mike Stanton led a faily meaningless late Greensboro offensive charge, slugging his league-leading 28th home run of the season off of Chapman in the sixth inning.

Mike Cisco made his second appearance with the BlueClaws, pitching two innings before Eryk McConnell pitched the final frame to close out the win.

The offensive outburst came after a grueling trip from Lakewood to Greensboro for the ''Claws. The BlueClaws team bus caught fire at around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning outside of Willmington, Del. The delay cost the team nearly six hours and Lakewood did not arrive to their destination in North Carolina until about 2:30 p.m. 

The BlueClaws will rest up and continue their series with the ''Hoppers (15-27, 53-59) at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday. Vance Worley (1-0) will take the mound for Lakewood, while righty Alejandro Sanabia (4-3) is scheduled to go for Greensboro.

Stutes another solid start for Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The BlueClaws bounced back from a tough loss on Thursday night to