GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 8, 2018) -- Jose Devers and Jhonny Santos combined to drive in five runs as the Grasshoppers built a lead en route to a 7-2 win over the Lakewood BlueClaws on Friday at First National Bank Field. Devers tripled twice -- two of Greensboro's season-high three triples
GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 8, 2018) -- Jose Devers and Jhonny Santos combined to drive in five runs as the Grasshoppers built a lead en route to a 7-2 win over the Lakewood BlueClaws on Friday at First National Bank Field. Devers tripled twice -- two of Greensboro's season-high three triples in the game -- to power the early offense in the series opener.
Starting pitcher Taylor Braley (3-5) kept the BlueClaws off the board over the first six innings on his way to earning a win. The right-hander finished with four strikeouts while allowing a run on five hits and no walks in 7.0 innings of work.
Devers finished 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI-triples, the first 2-triple game by a Grasshopper this season, while Santos drove in three runs on a 2-for-5 night with two runs scored.
In the bottom of the first, Cameron Baranek led off with a base hit and scored one batter later on Devers' first 3-base hit. The Hoppers added to their lead with a 3-run third inning as Baranek opened the inning by reaching base on a Lakewood error. Devers again followed with an RBI-triple for a 2-0 lead. Santos followed with an RBI-fielders choice, grounding to third baseman Cole Stobbe whose throw home was not in time to catch the speedy Devers. Lazaro Alonso added an RBI-double, scoring Santos for a 4-0 advantage.
With Greensboro ahead 5-0, Lakewood got on the board in the top of the seventh inning. Kevin Markham doubled to score Daniel Brito. In the eighth, Nick Maton led off the frame with a double and later scored on a Jhailyn Ortiz base hit, cutting the Grasshoppers lead to 5-2.
The Hoppers got both runs back in the home half of the eighth on a Santos 2-run base hit, scoring Sam Castro and Baranek.
Dustin Beggs and Manny Rodriguez each tossed an inning of relief to close the game for Greensboro.
Lakewood starting pitcher Spencer Howard (3-5) took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out eight and walking one in 4 and 2/3 innings. BlueClaws pitchers combined to strike out 12 on the night, with relievers Julian Garcia and Zach Warren each fanning a pair of batters along the way.
Greensboro continues this 3-game series against Lakewood on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., and tickets are available online at gsohoppers.com. Saturday's game features post-game fireworks presented by Cone Health.
