Mallard dominates Hot Rods, 5-0

Lansing, Mich. - Chase Mallard dealt a professional high seven innings and the Lansing Lugnuts (14-14, 56-42) swept the Bowling Green Hot Rods (14-14, 51-47) out of Michigan's state capital, 5-0, Thursday at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Mallard (Win, 4-3) improved as his outing progressed, retiring the last 13 batters he faced. Over seven innings, he allowed two hits, one walk, and struck out a pair.

The strong pitching set the table for the Lugs offense. Following a two-run first inning against Brad Wallace (Loss, 1-2), Lansing tallied runs in fifth, sixth, and seventh to jump ahead by five.

In the eighth, Bowling Green native Mark Biggs picked up where Mallard left off, setting down the Hot Rods for the final six outs. After allowing a leadoff single, Biggs settled and allowed one more hit the rest of his appearance.

Lansing's early offense started with leadoff hitter Chris Carlson, who smacked a triple in his first at-bat to end an 0-for-11 skid. Carlson scored on a single by Jason Leblebijian.

The third batter Leblebijian also looped an RBI single in seventh, giving Lansing a five-run edge.

Dawel Lugo drove in two runs, knitting two sacrifice flies to right field.

Lansing starts a new series with the Dayton Dragons Friday at 7:05 p.m. Enter for a chance to win a flat-screen TV on Flat Screen Friday presented by Auto-Owners Insurance, enjoy the sounds of the game on Jimmy Buffett Night, and stick around for postgame LAFCU Fireworks.

Shane Dawson (11-4, 3.05) is back from the Pan Am Games after the Gold Medal for Team Canada. Junior Morillo (3-4, 5.38) squares off against the southpaw.

The homestand runs through July 26 with three games against the Dayton Dragons. For more information, call (517) 485-4500 or visit lansinglugnuts.com.