Bats Go Cold Late, Crushers Drop Middle Game in Evansville

Bats Go Cold Late, Crushers Drop Middle Game in Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - May 24, 2025 - The Lake Erie Crushers (9-4) dropped the middle game of the series with the Evansville Otters (7-7) on Saturday night after the bats went cold in the late innings. They fell 5-3, dropping a series for the first time in 2025.

Things started off well for the Crushers as 1B Scout Knotts and RF Dario Gomez tagged RBI singles in the top of the 1st off Evansville starter RHP CJ Backer. SS Logan Thomason drew a bases loaded walk later in the frame to give Lake Erie an early 3-0 lead.

On the mound, RHP Anthony Escobar was lights out for the first four innings, scattering four baserunners while maintaining the lead. However, Evansville began chipping away in the 5th with an RBI single by 2B Alain Camou.

The Otters punched across another run in the 6th with a two-out, RBI knock by RF Keenan Taylor to pull Evansville within a run (3-2).

As CJ Backer settled down after a tumultuous start, the Lake Erie bats went cold. Backer set down nine straight batters to finish his night with 6.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, and 4 K.

RHP Dylan Spain relieved Escobar in the bottom of the 7th and immediately ran into trouble. Evansville teed off on Spain for four straight hits, including a triple and two doubles, taking a 5-3 lead with the Crushers on their heels at the plate.

Evansville finished the job with LHP Grif Hughes (3-2) and RHP Nate Wolhgemuth (3), who combined for the win and the save in the late innings in relief for the Otters. Despite another quality start, Anthony Escobar did not receive a decision, and Dylan Spain (0-1) was tagged with his first loss of the season.

The Crushers look to salvage a game at Bosse Field on Sunday afternoon. Right-hander Ethan Smith (1-0, 4.91 ERA) will get the start for Lake Erie. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35pm ET. 

Lake Erie will next take the field in Avon on Tuesday, May 27th against the Washington Wild Things at 6:35pm. It’s $2 Tuesday presented by Sahlen’s and our first Silver Sluggers game of the season presented by Wellspring. Get your tickets online at lakeeriecrushers.com/tickets.

Can’t join us at the ballpark? You can stream Crushers games home and away in 2025 on the brand new Frontier League streaming partner, HomeTeam Network or watch live on local television on Rock Entertainment Sports Network (RESN) in the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati markets!

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Flexible 2025 Crushers ticket memberships are now on sale, giving fans the best experience on their terms and schedule. Plans start at $40 and include a priority selection of games, no ticket service fees, and the option of subscription-based payment plans. Fans can view more information at www.LakeErieCrushers.com.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, youth sports night, corporate event, or family reunion, group outings with the Crushers offer great fan experiences and benefits, including reserved seating and special perks. Visit www.LakeErieCrushers.com/groups or call (440) 934-3636 for more information.

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About the Lake Erie Crushers

The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team that plays just 18 miles outside Cleveland at the 5,000 seat Crushers Stadium in Avon, Ohio. They compete in the Frontier League - a prestigious MLB Partner League. Since its founding in 2009, the Crushers have been dedicated to delivering exciting baseball and family-friendly entertainment to fans in Northeast Ohio.