by Kevin Wyart
Humboldt Crabs Baseball
June 8, 2016
Arcata, CA —Coming off a two game losing streak in which the Crabs were outscored 12-5, Hoopa native Junior Davis proved to be the stopper they needed.
Celebrating his 23rd birthday, Davis blanked the San Leandro Ports for six innings in the Crabs 6-1 win Wednesday Night at the Arcata Ball Park. The college junior out of the University of Antelope Valley allowed only three base runners while on the mound tonight, a lone single and two walks, while striking out five.
Relief pitcher Justin Watland gave up one run on two hits with a walk and a strikeout, while Austin Ragsdale and Jacob Gomez each threw a scoreless inning while striking out two batters.
“I did a really good job of getting ahead of hitters and keeping them off balance,” Davis, who had about 30 members of his family and friends in attendance said after the game. “My fastball was really effective and I also liked how I felt throwing my slider.”
With Davis being so close to home on his birthday, he says he is looking forward to celebrating with friends and family in his hometown.
“I’m heading up with family tonight and am going to enjoy the off day there tomorrow.” Davis said. “I’ve been splitting time between [Arcata] and [Hoopa].”
When asked about home cooking, he mentioned a very local flavor: “Salmon is my favorite dish my parents make.”
On Wednesday, he only feasted on Ports batters. The Crabs only managed four hits all game, but were aided by some sloppy play on the part of the Ports. It was a reversal from Tuesday night, when the Crabs committed three errors and lost 5-2.
In contrast to Tuesday, it was the Ports who had the defensive miscues Wednesday, as they had four errors, two of which led to four unearned runs. Humboldt also took advantage of seven walks, two hit batters, and three wild pitches to secure the win.
The Crabs got the scoring started in the fourth inning. Jayson Newman led off being hit by a pitch, followed by a Michael Perri single. With two on and nobody out, Catcher Jacob Thurber hit an RBI single to give the Crabs a 1-0 lead. They would add a second run in the inning when a wild pitch sent Thurber and Perri to second and third with one out and Mason Telander hit a scoring fly ball to centerfield.
The score would remain that way until the Top of the seventh when the Ports scored their lone run of the game. With relief pitcher Justin Watland entering the game, Tyler Strawn gave him a rude greeting with a lead-off double, then advanced to third on a wild pitch.
After a walk to Christian Marquez, Matt Flores hit an infield groundball that was fielded cleanly, but no one was covering first, allowing the run to score on a single. That would be the only run the Ports would get as Watland was able to settle down and retire the side with a strikeout and two fielders choices.
The Crabs would put the game out of reach in the bottom of the seventh, while only getting one base hit. Brian Pozos led off with a walk and advanced to third on a stolen base and an overthrow by the Ports catcher. Mason Telander walked then stole second base himself.
Austin White then struck out before James Outman hit an RBI single, scoring Pozos. With runners at the corners, Outman went for second on a steal attempt, and another overthrow by the catcher to centerfield brought in Telander and an overthrow from center allowed Outman to come all the way around to score.
Newt Johnson was then hit by a pitch, stole second, then came around to score the fourth run of the inning, removing doubt from the outcome of the game.
For the Ports, starting pitcher Ryan Capozza went six and a third innings, surrendering five runs (two earned) on four hits, six walks and seven strikeouts. Omar Sierra Zuno pitched the remaining inning and two thirds as he only gave up an unearned run on no hits, a walk while striking out three.
The Crabs will have Thursday off before resuming play on Friday vs the California Expos at the Arcata Ball Park. First pitch is set for 7pm with gates opening at 6pm.
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