Pavesi Homers Twice to Lead Crabs

By Ray Hamill

The big bats came to play Friday night as the Humboldt Crabs opened a four-game weekend stand with a 12-2 win over the California Glory in eight innings.

Designated hitter Tommy Pavesi hit two home runs off the first three pitches he saw to cap a three-run first and three-run third for the Crabs, while first baseman Jeff Giacomini added an RBI single in the first and a three-run home run in the fifth.

Pavesi’s two blasts – both to right field – gives him a team-high five on the summer and leaves him well on pace to break the single-season club record with a wood bat.

Giacomini, meanwhile, now has four home runs in the past week after going without a long ball for the first two weeks of the season. The Crabs hit the ball well early on, with four of their first five batters connecting for a hit.

That was more than enough for Crabs pitcher John Austin, who tossed five strong innings for his third win of the season. Austin (3-0) allowed four hits and one earned run, while striking out five and walking three. Tyler Graham and Josh Crockett each pitched well in relief to seal the win.

At the plate for the Crabs, Bobby Ethel, in his third season with the team, continued his impressive start to the summer, going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs and two runs, including a two-RBI single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth to end the game early on the mercy rule.

Nick Melino also had a productive night at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, while Giacomini, also in his third summer with the team, continues to grow in stature, finishing 4-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

Kevin Silvett, who doubled, Nick Leid and Karson Klauer each added a base hit in the win, the Crabs’ 10th straight.

The Crabs, who belted out 14 hits in the series opener, improved to 15-2 on the season.

The two teams will continue the weekend stand this evening with a doubleheader scheduled for 5:30.