Like Clockwork: Escobar Shoves, Crushers Stifle Jackals

Paterson, NJ - June 17, 2025 - Anthony Escobar once again led the Lake Erie Crushers (17-15) to a victory thanks to another exquisite pitching performance. He set the tone for the series on Tuesday in the opener against the New Jersey Jackals (11-22), a 5-0 shutout win.

Jared Lemieux shifted the lineup around to open the new week, and it worked quite well early on. DH Vincent Byrd Jr. in the eight spot in the order smoked an RBI double in the 2nd to open the scoring.

In the 4th, 2B Davie Morgan beat out an infield single that drove in a run, then Byrd lofted a sacrifice fly a batter later. Then, RF Sam Franco tagged his second single of the night to drive in a run in the 6th to give Lake Erie a 4-0 lead.

Meanwhile, the Jackals had no answers for RHP Anthony Escobar. But, in their defense, few teams have been able to figure him out in 2025. Escobar entered the game with an 0.97 ERA. His ERA now rests at 0.82. He went 6 ⅔ innings, gave up just three hits, and struck out six batters in the fourth quality start in his last five appearances.

RHP Brandyn Sittinger relieved Escobar in the 7th and tossed 2 ⅓ perfect innings with three strikeouts of his own. C Alfredo Gonzalez added the final tally for Lake Erie in the 9th with an RBI double, but by then the game was already determined.

It was the fifth shutout Lake Erie pitching logged in 2025. Anthony Escobar (5-0) got yet another win for his exceptional effort in the 5-0 win. New Jersey LHP Francis Ferguson (1-1) was handed the loss despite six solid innings.

The series with the Jackals resumes tomorrow - same place, same time - 6:35pm ET first pitch with Ethan Smith getting the ball for Lake Erie. The Crushers will return home Thursday, June 26th against the Washington Wild Things. Get tickets online at lakeeriecrushers.com.

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.

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