The BlueClaws blew a lead for the third straight game, falling to Greensboro 7-4 on Wednesday afternoon at NewBridge Bank Park. The BlueClaws (19-20) were in complete command with a 4-0 lead in the sixth inning and starter Chance Chapman cruising. But the 'Hoppers got two runs in the sixth and added five more in the seventh to win their third straight over Lakewood.
Chapman had allowed just one baserunner through the first five innings, but faltered in the sixth, walking one and allowing three hits to bring across a pair of Greensboro runs.
The right-hander was pulled two batters into the seventh, giving up four runs on six hits in six innings. Chapman did not factor in the decision, though the 'Claws fell to 2-5 in games started by the 24-year old.
Joe Rocchio (2-4) gave up three runs on three hits in just one inning to take the loss.
Lakewood vaulted to an early lead with a consistent attack against Greensboro (22-17) starter Colby Miller. The 'Claws got one run in the second on an RBI base hit from Freddy Galvis and added three more in the fifth inning.
Galvis again was prominently featured in the later rally, leading the inning off with an inside-the-park home run. It was his first home run of the season and also the first of his American professional career.
Jesus Sanchez followed with his first home run of the season, before Michael Taylor brought another run in on a two-out base hit.
The outburst gave Lakewood a 4-0 lead that would not last. The BlueClaws could have added more, loading the bases on three walks in seventh inning, but Taylor and Durant both went down to end the threat.
The Grasshoppers seventh-inning offensive explosion came on five hits and one critical Dominic Brown error. Rocchio also hit a batter to fuel the rally. Hunter Mense's two-RBI double pushed the go-ahead run across.
Corey Madden (2-0) garnered the victory, while Garrett Parcell earned his second save of the series and tenth of the season.
The 'Claws will try to avoid the series sweep when they take the field on Thursday night at 7 p.m. for the series finale. The BlueClaws were swept in a similar four-game set last season at NewBridge Bank Park.
The good news for the BlueClaws is that they have their ace Drew Naylor (3-2) going on Thursday. Kyle Kaminska (0-1) will take the mound for the Grasshoppers.