Crushers Beat Bums 4-3, Force Final Game for Playoff Spot

It all comes down to tonight. 

The Crushers (50-44) beat the Traverse City Beach Bums 4-3 on Saturday, and have forced a winner-take-all game tonight for the final playoff spot of the Frontier League’s Eastern Division. 

The Crushers, now 5-6 versus the Beach Bums this season, had to overcome some adversity last night as they lost Andrew Davis to a foot injury and had to face off against the Beach Bums all-star pitcher Brian Banes (10-3). 

“Davis' absence caused a big shake-up, both in the Crushers' lineup and defensively,” Crushers rep Michael Keefe said. “Regular second baseman Zach Messer moved to shortstop, and Kyle Boe played second base, to go along with Jason Taylor at third and Chris Luick at first. The inexperience at various positions didn't show, as the infield played a very solid game.” 

There wasn’t much a disruption offensively, either, as Banes gave up five hits and four earned runs in five innings. 

For tonight’s game, the Crushers will start Josh Roberts (10-6, 4.17), and the Beach Bums will counter with David Nathonson (3-2, 4.61). 

First pitch is at 5:05 p.m. at Wuerfel Park, and Davis’ status remains uncertain.