2024 WEST DIVISION SERIES PREVIEW
WRITTEN BY: MIKE GUISTOLISE
AVON, OH - After a thrilling win over Gateway in the Wild Card Game on Tuesday, the Lake Erie Crushers will host the Washington Wild Things for the first game of a best-of-three series on Thursday.
The Crushers found their offensive stroke late after giving away a one-run lead to advance to the next round, but now the real challenge comes. The Washington Wild Things are an entirely different beast (no pun intended), with a well-equipped and well-rested pitching staff to go along with one of the most potent lineups in the entire Frontier League.
Washington enjoyed a historic season behind the likes of Caleb McNeely, Tyreque Reed, and Andrew Czech, winning the most games in franchise history (67). Their pitching staff, led by Darren Bush Coach of the Year Alex Boshers, had the best ERA in the league (3.19) and the lowest WHIP (1.15). Their offense outclassed nearly every opponent they faced, averaging over a home run per game.
Needless to say, the Crushers will have their hands full.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The postseason is where the stars shine the brightest and outfielder Caleb McNeely is the brightest of stars. Coming off the first 20 home run/20 stolen base season in Washington franchise history, it is no wonder why McNeely was named the Morgan Burkhart Most Valuable Player as well as being named to the All-Frontier League Team. McNeely brings some serious pop to the leadoff spot for Washington, with the ability to send one over the fence at any given point. The most difficult part is that McNeely is just the beginning, with batting champion Tyreque Reed and fellow outfielder Wagner Lagrange lurking behind him at the top of the order. Not to mention, McNeely is also an outstanding fielder; he ended the season with 1.000 fielding percentage, even more impressive when it is taken into account that he played 89 of 95 games.
For Lake Erie, the big hits will still have to come from somewhere. On Tuesday, it was designated hitter Vincent Byrd Jr. Facing such an electric pitching staff, the Crushers will have to look for someone else to step up. Third baseman Logan Thomason has been a fine addition to the Lake Erie lineup this season, taking over everyday responsibilities at third base. The offense has been streaky, but he can pile up extra-base hits when he goes on a tear. He smacked a solo homer in the Wild Card after collecting only one hit in the final regular season series against Joliet. If that home run woke up Thomason, Lake Erie turn this series on its head.
GAME DETAILS
FIRST PITCH: 6:35 PM EDT at Crushers Stadium (Avon, OH)
TV/RADIO: FloSports
PROJECTED SERIES PITCHING MATCHUPS:
Game 1 - LHP Kobe Foster (Washington) vs. RHP Anthony Escobar (Lake Erie)
Game 2 - RHP Zach Kirby (Washington) vs. LHP Jack Eisenbarger (Lake Erie)
Game 3 (IF NECESSARY) - RHP Jordan DiValerio (Washington) vs. TBA
