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By Jordan Georgeson

The Lincoln Potters held off several late pushes by the Walnut Creek Crawdads in tonight’s game to hang on for a big league win. The Potters came out loud in the first inning, putting up six runs to jump out to a big lead early. The Crawdads wouldn’t go quietly however, putting up a run in the second and three in the third to cut the lead to 6-4. Lincoln responded back in the fourth with a big home run that would prove to be the deciding factor in the ballgame. The Crawdads scored two in the bottom of the sixth and made several pushes in the final innings but the Potters ultimately held on for a 7-6 victory. The Potters improve to 12-14 on the season with the win. 

The Potters came out aggressive in the first inning, pulling out to a 6-0 lead. The first run came in on a balk by the Crawdads pitcher before the first out was even made. Evan Hafley brought two more home with a big two-RBI double down the right field line. Jeffrey David put the cherry on top with a big three-run homer to left to give the Potters a 6-0 lead. Jake Sapien hit a solo shot in the fourth inning that would prove to be the winning run in the ballgame. Newcomer Mason Hold from UL-Monroe had himself a solid first game, going two for three with a run scored as well. The Potters totaled seven runs on seven hits and left six runners on base.

It was a strong outing from starting pitcher Shane Gustafson who, although gave up four runs, only gave up five hits in five innings and struck out eight batters. All four runs given up came on two separate homers, a solo shot in the second and a three-run homer in the third. Gustafson earned the win, his second of the season. The Potters bullpen once again shut things down when it was needed the most. Marlin Brucato had a quick eighth inning, retiring the side in order to hold the lead for the Potters. Lucas Wepf entered the game in the ninth to earn the save for the Potters, as he struck out three batters in a row with the tying run on second base. 

“It felt fantastic, these guys have been working so hard these last few weeks and the close ones just weren’t going our way.” said manager Ryan Stevens about the win. “This is a good ballclub with a lot of talent, the wins are coming.”

The Potters are back tomorrow night as they look to gain some momentum against the Solano Mudcats. First pitch has been moved back to 7:05 tomorrow night due to expected heat. Watch the Potters live on Facebook and listen on Potters Radio via the mixlr app. Also follow along on twitter @LincolnPotters to get live updates!

You can find tonight’s box score here.