Thanks for the Wild Pitches

MIDLAND, Mich. -- We're sensing a theme between the Great Lakes Loons and Fort Wayne TinCaps. After two hotly-contested contests following the all-star game, both teams left it late once again with the Loons as beneficiaries of a passed ball in the 11th inning to snatch a 2-1 victory. That's now the 45th win of the season, pushing the Loons record to 45-25 and 20 games over .500. 
After allowing 16 earned runs in his first three starts this season, Robinson Ortiz has looked like a completely new pitcher over his most recent three starts, including Saturday night. He threw five scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Over the last 15 IP, the 19-year-old lefty has allowed just one run and recorded 18 K. Ortiz has lowered his ERA from 16.00 down to 6.38 in the last three weeks.
As for where the runs came from, the Loons have two wild pitches to thank. It seemed like we wouldn't even need extra innings when Miguel Vargas trotted home to score the game's first run in the bottom of the 8th inning. Zach Willeman had been cruising in his piggy-back start after reliving Ortiz. Fort Wayne would, however, load the bases and Juan Fernandez's sacrifice fly pushed the game deeper into the night.
Brett de Deus (W, 4-1) literally couldn't have pitched any better in extras for Great Lakes striking out the side in the 10th, getting Tucupita Marcano to pop up his bunt attempt to start the 11th, and then striking out the final two TinCap batters.
Henry Henry (not a typo) intentionally walked Jacob Amaya and Dillon Paulson grounded into a fielder's choice to put the winning run, represented by Chris Roller, 90 feet away. Henry proceeded to bounce a pitch next to home plate and Roller scored to send Loons fans home happy.
Sunday: Meet the Team Day feat. Team Photo Giveaway
July 2: Two-Fer Tuesday
July 3: Independence Day Celebration feat. Theme Jersey Auction
July 6: Field of the Dreams Night feat. Dwier Brown appearance
July 17: Grand Slam Game
July 18: Christmas in July
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.