File photo/Humboldt Crabs baseball

Whether or not the Crabs go on to claim a first Pacific Empire League title this summer remains to be seen, but they got their league campaign off to a good start on Tuesday night.

Relief pitcher Evan Miranda and outfielder Tyler Howard led the way for the local club in a 3-2 win against the Potters in Lincoln.

With the win, the Crabs improved to 1-0 in the PEL and 13-0 overall, while the Potters suffered their first loss of the summer and dropped to 0-1 and 15-1.

Miranda was outstanding in relief of starter Aidan Dorsch and gave up just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out 10 in 4.2 innings.

Howard also had a good night as the Crabs overcame an early deficit on the way to the win.

The right fielder finished 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs, as well as scoring what would be the winning run on a Jaden Shabry base hit in the top of the fifth.

Howard also had a stolen base.

Shabry also impressed and finished 2-for-3 to lead a five-hit team performance.

Trailing by two, the Potters would pull within one on a Brady Dobson home run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Crabs were able to hold on down the stretch to pull out an impressive league-opening win against a team that is expected to be among the top contenders for this year’s championship.

Adam Enyart also continued to impress for the Crabs, both at the plate and on the mound.

Enyart finished 1-for-4 and scored a run, while also pitching the final inning for the save.

The Potters out-hit the Crabs 10-5

The two clubs will continue their three-game series on Wednesday night, with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.