AVON, Ohio (August 9, 2026) – A ten-run seventh inning by the Lake Erie Crushers turned a one-run Bird Dawgs lead into a blowout, as Down East fell 15-4 in the series finale at ForeFront Field Sunday afternoon, but the Bird Dawgs still claimed the series two games to one and head to New Jersey.

Kenny Levari launched a two-run homer in the third to give Down East a 2-1 lead before Jarrod Watkins and Jacob Tobias each singled in a run in the fifth to put Lake Erie ahead 3-2.

The Bird Dawgs responded in the sixth as Kalae Harrison singled in the tying run and Ali LaPread added a go-ahead sacrifice fly to make it 4-3.

The Crushers then erupted for 10 runs in the seventh on five hits before adding two more in the eighth to close out the 15-4 final.

Wes Albert started for Down East, allowing three runs on eight hits over 4⅔ innings with three strikeouts and one walk. Zac Flontek (4-1) took the loss, surrendering seven runs on three hits in just ⅓ of an inning with three walks.

Fraynel Nova started for Lake Erie, allowing four runs on five hits over 5⅔ innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Adam Brouwer (1-1) earned the win, retiring the only two batters he faced.

The Bird Dawgs (34-44) head to Paterson, N.J., for a series against the New Jersey Jackals beginning Tuesday, August 11, at 6:35 p.m. ET.