Crushers lose at Joliet, 8-7, in walk-off fashion

The visiting Crushers took a 7-6 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning on May 31 but Joliet sent Lake Erie to an 8-7 setback in walk-off fashion.

Brandon Heidal’s single scored Victor Nova for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Nova’s double in the ninth scored pinch-runner Jeissy De La Cruz and tied the game at 7.

Jarrod Watkins (2 for 4, three RBI, one run) and Vincent Byrd (two RBI) each hit a home run to pace the Crushers’ offensive attack.

Watkins’ homer in the third and Scout Knotts’ RBI hit gave the Crushers (11-8) a 6-3 advantage in the fourth.

Liam McArthur had three hits to pace Joliet’s 13-hit attack.

Trevor Kuncl (2-1) took the loss for Lake Erie. He got two outs in the ninth before the game-winning hit by Heidal. Anthony Escobar starter for the Crushers. He went five innings, allowed three earned runs and struck out two. His ERA for the season is 3.43.

Cole Wesneski (1-0) got the win for the Slammers. He pitched a perfect ninth with two strikeouts.

The team continue their series June 1 at Joliet. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.