Smith Helps Loons Earn Win
MIDLAND, Mich. - Drafted in the 1st round of the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, catcher Will Smith spent seven games with the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors before earning a promotion on Saturday. The University of Louisville product came through in a big way as the Great Lakes Loons evened their series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods with a 5-3 victory at Dow Diamond.
It was a four-run bottom of the 6th inning that paved the way to victory for Great Lakes. Before long, the bases were loaded as Cristian Gomez and Noah Perio each singled and Darien Tubbs walked. In stepped Smith who rocketed a ball back up the chute into center field, plating two runs to tie the game 3-3. After Perio scooted across home plate on a wild pitch to take the lead, Omar Estevez cemented the win with a run-scoring single of his own.
"I was just looking off speed, that first pitch was a fastball and then I got that off-speed breaking ball that second pitch and drove it up the middle." Smith told ESPN 100.9-FM after the game. "I can finally breathe. It was a long day of travel but it was nice to get on the field and play, meet some of the guys and have a good time out there."
The Loons were also the first to break through in the 3rd when Matt Jones, who's drawn seven walks in his last four games, earned a bases on balls against Genesis Cabrera (L, 7-3) to get aboard. Another recent newcomer in Darien Tubbs made it two nights in a row with double as he pushed Jones around the bases and across home plate to make it 1-0.
Impressive to this point in the season, Cabrera's numbers took a hit tonight as he was charged with all five runs (also earned) on five hits in six innings of work. The left-hander walked four batters in the game and had five strikeouts.
Bowling Green pulled two runs back in the 5th against Loons starter Dennis Santana when Brett Sullivan and Brandon Lowe each singled and scored in the inning. The righty received the no decision after five innings of two-run, four-hit baseball. It was a walk-free evening for Santana that was highlighted by six punch outs.
Before the game was solidified by the hosts, Michigan native Jake Cronenworth did his part for the Hot Rods as he walked to begin the 6th inning against reliever Nolan Long (W, 4-7). The shortstop then stole second base and scored when Sullivan singled with two outs.
In the 9th it was Alex Hermeling (SV, 5) who was called upon to close the door and he did so with ease retiring the 4-5-6 hitters for Bowling Green to finish the game in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.
With each team winning one to start the weekend series, it sets up a rubber match on Sunday afternoon that will pit Isaac Anderson (5-4, 4.63 ERA) against Roel Ramierz (3-6, 5.70). A native of Boise, Idaho, Anderson has been strong since the all-star break recording 17 strikeouts in 12 innings without issuing a walk.
Sunday is a day for the kids at Dow Diamond with the opportunity to eat free courtesy of Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel. Kids 12 and under receive a voucher upon entering the gates that can be redeemed at either Great Lakes Grill good for a hot dog, chips and drink. Following the game, kids can also run the bases thanks to Farm Bureau Insurance.
The Great Lakes Loons, hosts of the 2017 Midwest League All-Star Game, have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007 and are in their 10th season. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.