Spinners sweep ValleyCats: Lucas gets third win in series finale

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TROY, N.Y. – After combining for 20 runs the day before a late-week doubleheader, the Lowell Spinners, proud affiliate of the 2018 World Champion Boston Red Sox, came into Friday’s contest against the Tri-City ValleyCats, affiliate of the Houston Astros, looking to complete the sweep.

After scoring four runs in the first inning and two more in the third, the Spinners (23-9) were able to do so – defeating the ValleyCats by a final of 6-5 on Friday night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

Lowell got a fast start in the first inning, loading the bases thanks to a single by Gilberto Jimenez, and walks by Cameron Cannon and Stephen Scott. Jaxx Groshans followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Jimenez from third base and giving the Spinners an early 1-0 lead before Tri-City could record an out.

After Alex Erro reached on a fielder’s choice that reloaded the bases, Nick Decker followed with a walk of his own – making it 2-0.

After Antoni Flores struck out, Ricardo Cubillan followed with a walk of his own to increase the lead to 3-0 before Kervin Suarez singled the opposite way to left field – scoring Erro from third. Decker, however, was gunned down trying to score: ending the inning and cutting the Spinners lead at 4-0.

The 2^nd-round pick from 2018 got his revenge in the third inning after the ValleyCats got two back in the bottom of the first. Decker hammered his fifth home run of the season to left field, driving in Groshans from second base and giving the Spinners a 6-2 lead. The home run was his first professional opposite-field home run.

Lowell was economical on the mound Friday night, using just two pitchers en route to the win. Bryan Lucas got the start on the mound for the Spinners and picked up his third win in the process, improving his record to 3-2 on the season. Lucas went five innings, allowing all four runs (two earned) on six hits. He also struck out three and walked two.

Ryan Fernandez was the one and only pitcher to come out of the bullpen, picking up the four-inning save – his second of the season. In the four innings, Fernandez allowed just one run on one hit, while also striking out four and walking just one.

Lowell is back home on Saturday night for NASCAR Night: a night that features an appearance by driver David Ragan. The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark will also receive a free Oyo car, presented by Oyo Sports.

The Lowell Spinners, proud affiliate of the 2018 World Champion Boston Red Sox, offer Season Ticket Packages, Mini-Plans, Group Sales, and Single Game Tickets.

For more information, please visit: http://www.milb.com/lowell or call (978) 805-5124 for more information.