As the injuries started piling up and emotional leaders like Hao-Yu Lee and Trei Cruz were gone for the season, the SeaWolves needed a new spark.
Carlos Mendoza has filled that role over the past month.
Mendoza, 24, had four hits including a crucial three-run double in the eighth inning to lead the SeaWolves to a 9-5 win over Somerset in Game 1 of the Eastern League Championship Series on Sunday in front of, 3,870 fans at UPMC Park.
“I’m so happy for him,” said SeaWolves manager Gabe Alvarez about Mendoza. “He came through with some clutch hits and showed his toughness after getting a little banged up at second base early on. He’s a sparkplug that brings a lot of energy every day.’
The SeaWolves are one win away from winning their second straight Eastern League title. Erie was in the same situation in 2022 but lost Games 2 and 3 in Somerset, including a no-hitter by the Patriots in Game 3. The ‘Wolves swept Binghamton last fall to win their first Eastern League title.
Game 2 of the ELCS is set for Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater (N.J.), while Game 3, if necessary, is Wednesday at 6:35 p.m.