Loons Lose Series in West Michigan

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - For the first time since late-June, the Loons have lost a series on the road. It had been six straight series' away from Dow Diamond since the Loons had been beaten and on Friday night West Michigan took them down 6-3 in a rubber match at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Whitecaps again relied on solid pitching to stymy the Loons, who have fallen on some tough times offensively of late. While not struggling on offense, the Loons have certainly not been performing at the same rate they did through the first 100+ games of the year. In their last 11 games, the Loons are averaging less than four runs per game.
The combination of Chance Kirby and Yay Chentouf held the Loons to seven hits and no walks. Kirby (W, 5-7) became the third straight Whitecaps pitcher to deliver a quality start against the Loons. Chentauf (S, 5) needed just 37 pitches to keep the Loons off the board in the final three frames.
Stephen Kolek had trouble early on against the 'Caps offense ceding three runs in the first inning on four hits. Four hits in the first inning proved to be a theme for the night as West Michigan finished with 14 hits in the game, their third-most in a game this season. Kolek (L, 7-7) was unable to make it through five innings for the first time in almost a month.
Kody Hoese provided the lone offensive highlight for Great Lakes when he crushed a 401-foot home run off the scoreboard in left field in the third inning. It was Hoese's second dinger with the Loons.
After dropping two of three in greater Grand Rapids, the Loons return home on Saturday to begin a seven-game homestand. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. for Fairy Tale Kingdom to kick-off the homestand festivities. A fireworks show will follow the ballgame.
UPCOMING HOMESTAND
Aug 17: Fairy Tale Kingdom Night & FIREWORKS!
Aug 18: Back to School Lunch Box Giveaway
Aug 19: Postgame Veterans Run the Bases
Aug 20: Two-fer Tuesday
Aug 21: Camels Bottle Opener Coaster Giveaway & FIREWORKS!
Aug 22: Lucky Hot Dog & Michigander Night
Aug 23: The Office Night feat. Brian Baumgartner (aka Kevin Malone)
The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team's home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.