AVON, OH–The River City Rascals dropped the series finale against the Lake Erie Crushers on Sunday afternoon at Sprenger Stadium, losing by a final score of 3-2. The Crushers took the series 2-1 and the season series 4-2. Crushers starter Sean Renzi (5-1) was excellent, allowing two runs in eight innings while walking one and striking out seven.
The Rascals scored first, in the top of the first inning on an RBI fielder’s choice from Mike Jurgella, following a double and steal of third by JD Hearn. The Crushers countered with an RBI single from Kewby Meyer in the bottom of the first. The Rascals re-gained the lead on a solo blast from Paul Kronenfeld in the top of the fourth, who finished with three hits on the night. The Crushers took the lead for good with a two-run fourth inning, getting a leadoff homer from Doug Trimble to tied the game and an RBI bunt single from Kevin LaChance to take the lead.
Kronenfeld doubled off of Crushers closer Justin Sinibaldi to give the Rascals the potential tying runner at second in the ninth, but Sinibaldi left the runner stranded to earn his eighth save of the season.
Rascals starter Hunter Spencer (0-1) took the loss in his professional debut, going 5.1 innings and allowing three runs, while walking one and striking out five.
The Rascals (18-14) are off Monday, and kick-off a seven-game homestand on Tuesday night against the crosstown rival Gateway Grizzlies, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 pm CT. Dan Ludwig is expected to start Game 1 of the series for for the Rascals.
