Guerrero notches record-tying six hits in 14-5 rout

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Emilio Guerrero tied a franchise and Midwest League record with six base hits, including a grand-slam in a nine-run third inning, as the Lansing Lugnuts (22-32, 54-69) completed a three-game sweep of the West Michigan Whitecaps (24-27, 57-64) with a 14-5 win on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Guerrero, a 20 year old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, set career-highs with six hits, finishing 6-for-6 at the plate with a career-best five runs driven in. The six hits ties Kevin Pillar and Franklin German for the most in a game in Lugnuts' history and also tied a Midwest League record for hits in a contest. The performance also extended his hitting-streak to 11 games.

After the Lugs took a quick 3-0 lead on four singles in the first inning, including one from Guerrero, they exploded for nine runs against Whitecaps' starter Endrys Briceno (Loss, 7-8) in the third inning.

Guerrero led the inning off with a single, his second hit of the night, before two walks, a hit batter and a wild pitch gave Lansing a 4-0 lead. An RBI single by Jordan Leyland preceded a Daniel Klein sacrifice fly to put the Lugs up, 6-0. Back-to-back RBI hits from Jason Leblebijian and Kellen Sweeney made it 8-0 before Guerrero came to the plate with the bases loaded.

Already 2-for-2 in the game, Guerrero took reliever Josh Turley deep down the left field line for the Lugnuts' third grand slam of the season, putting the score in Lansing's favor, 12-0. The Lugs sent 13 men to the plate in the inning, scoring nine runs on six hits.

Guerrero added a single in the fifth inning, an RBI single in the sixth inning and his sixth hit was a single in the top of the ninth inning to cap the evening.

Briceno lasted just 2.1 innings against Lansing, allowing 10 runs - all earned - on eight Lansing hits. He walked two and struck out three.

On the other side, Lansing starter Eric Brown (Win, 1-2) earned a win with five innings of work, allowing five runs - all in the fourth inning - on 10 West Michigan hits. The Canadian-born right-hander walked two and struck out two as well.

Every hitter in the Lugs lineup hit safely, including two hits from Dwight Smith, Jr., who extended his on-base streak to 17 games. Daniel Kleinwas the final Lugnut to record a hit, blasting a solo homer in the top of the eighth to cap the scoring.

The Lugnuts return home to Cooley Law School Stadium to open up a four-game series against the Lake County Captains. The series opens up at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday night with Lansing handing the ball to right-hander Kendall Graveman (0-1, 3.98) to take on Lake County right-hander Robbie Aviles (3-3, 3.70). Following the game, fans can enjoy a LAFCU fireworks show.

Lansing Lugnuts tickets are available for purchase at lansinglugnuts.com and by calling 517-485-4500, and Lugnuts text alerts are easily accessed by texting LUGNUTS to 313131.