Crushers Offense Explodes

Crushers Offense Explodes, Escobar Twirls Complete Game Shutout

Avon, OH - May 30, 2025 - The Lake Erie Crushers (11-6) offense exploded against the Windy City Thunderbolts (3-17) on Friday night, leading the way for Anthony Escobar to toss Lake Erie’s first complete game shutout since Jack Eisenbarger’s no-hitter back in June of 2024.

The Crushers loaded the bases in the bottom of the 1st and got right to work against RHP Jacob Newman. DH Scout Knotts lined an RBI single, then LF Jordan Harrison-Dudley, making his Crushers debut, hopped on the first pitch he saw and sharply hit a sacrifice fly for his first professional RBI. Like each game in Windy City last week, Lake Erie led 2-0 early on.

SS Logan Thomason added on with an opposite field homer to lead off the 2nd, his second blast of 2025. RF Dario Gomez grounded an RBI single, and 2B Davie Morgan scored on a wild pitch. Then, Jordan Harrison-Dudley smoked his first professional hit 112mph off the bat to drive in another run. CF Sam Franco poked another RBI single through the left side, then the big shot came from C Derek Vegas with a bases-clearing double. 

When the dust settled, Lake Erie had a double-digit lead after two frames, adding on another three runs in the 3rd to lead 13-0. Later on in the 8th, 3B Joey Wright drove in two more runs, adding to his torrid RBI rate this season.

On the hill for the Crushers, RHP Anthony Escobar went out and dominated. The 2024 All-Star mowed through all nine innings, walking zero batters and giving up just four hits in a complete game shutout effort - the first nine-inning complete game shutout since Jack Eisenbarger no-hit the Trois-Rivieres Aigles in June 2024.

Lake Erie waltzed their way to a 15-0 Friday night victory.

Anthony Escobar’s (3-0) masterful outing snagged him the win, and Windy City starter RHP Jacob Newman (0-3) was handed the loss, making it through just one inning.

The big weekend continues tomorrow, May 31st at 7:05pm ET in the middle game with the Thunderbolts. It’s Country Night, and Crushers Stadium will have all the best country songs blaring during another postgame Fireworks show! 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.