Loons sweep, draw within half-game of Lugs

LANSING, Mich. - The Great Lakes Loons (25-27, 54-68) completed a decisive four-game road sweep with a 5-1 win over the Lansing Lugnuts (26-27, 62-61) on Thursday night at Cooley Law School Stadium, pulling within a half-game of the Lugnuts for the second and final Eastern Division playoff berth.

17 games remain in the Midwest League regular season.

In six of the nine innings, the Loons sent only three batters to the plate - but they scored two runs in the second inning against Justin Maese (Loss, 1-2) and three runs in the seventh against Tom Robson to back another stellar pitching effort.

19-year-old Great Lakes starter Leo Crawford tossed four innings, limiting Lansing to merely a Justin Atkinson sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third.

Luis DePaula (Win, 2-0) held the Lugs off the scoreboard from the fifth through the seventh innings, and Andrew Istler recorded the final six outs without issue.

Maese finished six innings, allowing only the two runs on five hits, walking one and striking out five in his third quality start with the Lugnuts.

Lansing's offense was led by Juan Kelly, who went 2-for-4 with a double to extend his consecutive on-base streak to 19 straight games. J.C. Cardenas added a ninth-inning double, Ryan Hissey went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk, and Juan Tejada was 1-for-3 with a single.

The Lugs finished the four-game series batting just 1-for-26 with runners in scoring position.

The South Bend Cubs arrive at Cooley Law School Stadium for the second leg of the Lugnuts' seven-game homestand. Friday is a Freebie Friday: Seniors Eat FREE - all senior fans age 55 or better receive a free hot dog, Pepsi and popcorn at the park - plus postgame LAFCU Fireworks!

Right-hander Jordan Romano (3-2, 2.28) starts at 7:05 p.m. for the Lugnuts, opposed by South Bend left-hander Justin Steele (5-6, 6.07). For more information or to purchase your tickets, call 517-485-4500 or visit lansinglugnuts.com.

 

# # #