BlueClaws win 5-1 in Extra Innings as Addison Russ Improves to 4-0

Ask any manager and they will tell you, if you’re going to compete for a title, your bullpen must contribute.  While it still might be relatively early in the season, Lakewood BlueClaws reliever Addison Russ is putting up MVP numbers.

On Monday night, Russ earned the extra-inning win as the BlueClaws erupted for five runs in the top of the 10th to improve their record to 16-15.

In a game that could be called a true pitchers battle, both teams ended regulation play in a scoreless tie.  Columbia’s David Peterson tossed seven innings of three-hit, shut out ball and Ramon Rosso tossed six innings of shut out ball for the visiting BlueClaws, while striking out nine.  Kyle Dohy contributed two scoreless innings for the Claws and Russ completed the game to earn his fourth win of the season.  Fireflies reliever Stephen Villines suffered the loss while allowing five runs in the bottom of the tenth.

Catcher Rodolfo Duran fought off the strong Firefly pitching to hit his second home run of the season and stood tall behind the plate, throwing out three attempted base-stealers. Duran’s homer came with two out and two on.

The BlueClaws continues to take advantage of runners in scoring position going 4-7, while the Fireflies were shut down by BlueClaws pitching and went 0-5 with runners in scoring position.  The BlueClaws left only one runner on base during the closely contested game, and the Fireflies left four men on.

Rosso, Dohy, and Russ combined to allow just two hits over ten innings, in what turned out to be one of the best pitched games of the season.

The BlueClaws get a well-deserved day off on Tuesday before starting a three-game series versus the Charlestown RiverDogs.  Game time for the Wednesday night match up is 6:35pm and it will be Allergy Awareness Night at FirstEnergy Park, as the stadium will be peanut free to recognize those that battle such a nemesising allergy.  The BlueClaws hand the ball over to Will Stewart and Charlestown counters with Dalton Lehnen.