Offense Quieted in Crushers’ Loss to Otters

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Offense Quieted in Crushers’ Loss to Otters

Evansville, IN- August 28, 2026 - The Lake Erie Crushers (38-55) got on the board first, but they were peppered by the Evansville Otters (58-36) in the early innings on Friday night. The Otters took home a 7-2 victory to open the weekend series.

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In the top of the 1st, RF Jeron Williams slapped a one-out double to center-field, then advanced to third on a ball in the dirt. After a walk by 3B Pavin Parks, 1B Brayden Jobert bounced one to second base. The only play was at first, allowing Williams to score from third, putting Lake Erie up 1-0 in the opening frame.

After two quick outs by LHP Edwin Sanchez in the home-half, two straight singles by DH Logan Brown and LF LG Castillo, as well as a walk by 1B Blake Robertson loaded the bases. A bases-clearing double down the left-field line by RF Sam Linscott gave the Otters the lead. All of a sudden it was 3-1 Evansville.

In the 2nd, Amani Jones singled with two outs and reached second on a throwing error by LF Garret Pike. Jones scored on an RBI knock by Logan Brown to make it 4-1, and Evansville wasn’t done there. Linscott struck again and clubbed a two-run home run to make it 6-1 Otters with five RBIs on his line in just two at-bats.

In the bottom of the 4th, more two-out damage was caused. A walk by Brown and single by Castillo put runners on the corners. This led to a Robertson grounder into right field, which plated Brown from third to make it 7-1.

Meanwhile, the Lake Erie offense was quiet against RHP Ryan Wiltse and reliever LHP Dylan Zentko. Both pitched scoreless outings until RHP Nate Wohlgemuth entered in the 9th.

SS Jarrod Watkins doubled and reached third on a single from Pike. C Nick Chavez grounded a ball to shortstop that could have been a game-ending double play, but the return throw was wide. Chavez reached and Watkins scored to make a little window dressing. The 7-2 score would hold as final as the Crushers dropped the opening game against the Otters.

Ryan Wiltse (8-4) was dominant in the win, and Edwin Sanchez (7-7) struggled early on in the loss.

The Crushers continue the weekend series with the Otters tomorrow, August 29th at 7:30pm ET. Catch all the action on the final road trip of the season on HomeTeam Network! The team returns to Avon for BOGO Fan Finale Weekend on September 4th. Go to LakeErieCrushers.com/BOGO to get your tickets and find out all about the huge promotional weekend to finish off the 2026 season!

Crushers 2027 season tickets are now on sale! For information on 2027 season ticket memberships visit lecrushers.com or call (440) 934-3636, and be sure to follow our socials @LECrushers on Instagram/Facebook/X.

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About the Lake Erie Crushers

The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team based in Avon, Ohio, just 18 miles west of Cleveland at ForeFront Field. They compete in the Frontier League, a proud MLB Partner League, and have brought a family-friendly, fan-oriented baseball experience to Northeast Ohio since 2009. As Lorain County’s only professional sports franchise, the Lake Erie Crushers are the largest economic driver in Lorain County, hosting more than 200 events per year that include over 50 baseball games, concerts, charity functions, and other events that bring the community of Avon together. Len Komoroski is the Crushers Chairman and Managing Partner, and the team is led by President Vic Gregovits. Jared Lemieux, a Maine Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, is in his fourth season as field manager.