Crabs win exciting series opener

By Ray Hamill

Two hit batsmen in the bottom of the eighth inning each led to runs Friday night, as the Crabs overcame a 3-2 deficit to pull out a 5-3 win over the San Jose Seals in an exciting series opener.

With the score tied at 3-3 late in the game, Steve Detwiler and Karson Klauer each “took one for the team” with the bases loaded to drive in the two runs that would prove to be the difference in a tight game.

Jeff Giacomini led off the pivotal inning with a base hit, before Tommy Pavesi reached first base on an error. With one out, JJ Ethel then hit an infield single to load the bases, before Detwiler was hit by a pitch to break the deadlock.

With two outs, Klauer followed suit to give the home team a two-run lead, and that would prove to be more than enough for pitcher Scott Heinig, who posted his first win in a Crabs uniform in relief.

Heinig, who came in for starter Tyler Graham in the top of the fifth, struck out 11 and walked just one in a strong five-inning, two-hit performance.

At the plate for the Crabs, new shortstop Issac Vivas got his summer season off to an impressive start with a pair of hits, including an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to score Detwiler and tie the game at 3-3.

For the second time in three days, Pavesi came up clutch for the Crabs, driving in a pair of runs on a two-out single in the first, scoring Vivas, who had singled to reach base, and Nick Melino, who reached on an error.

The visitors battled back in the top of the fifth, scoring three runs on no hits to take a one-run lead, but they wasted several opportunities, stranding runners in scoring position in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

At first base, Giacomini made a pair of spectacular catches in the fourth and fifth innings, ending a scoring threat for the Seals on each occasion.

The Crabs and Seals will play a doubleheader at the Arcata Ballpark Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m.