Brent Lysander improved to 9-1 as the Crushers defeated the Southern Illinois Miners 4-1, but had to leave the game after fifth inning because of a strained oblique muscle.
Lysander was a bit wild as he walked four batters in five innings of work, which was uncharacteristic for him as he had only walked 28 batters in 83.1 innings prior to Thursday's start.
The injury might of affected Lysander's control against the Miners, but he didn't use it as an excuse.
If the injury is serious, it could be a big blow to the Crushers starting rotation. Heading into Thursday night's game, Lake Erie held just a 1 1/2 game lead over Southern Illinois for the final playoff spot.
With about three weeks left in the regular season, the Crushers will need to have their No. 2 starter down the stretch.
Andrew Davis had a strange game on Thursday. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, but he was thrown out at home twice.
The first time happened in the bottom of the first inning. He was on second base with one out, and Gordie Gronkowski was at the plate. Gronkowski hit a single to left field, but Davis had to wait until the ball passed through the infield before he headed to third.
The hesitation ended up costing Davis as he was thrown out by a mile.
In the eighth inning, Davis was on third base with one out and Tim Binkoski was at the plate. Binkoski hit the ball to first base, and Davis tried to run on contact, but once again he was gunned out at home.
Although he was thrown out at home twice, Davis also had a big double to plate two runs in the eighth inning and give the Crushers some insurance.