Bowling Green's Big Fifth Inning Buries Loons

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Bowling Green Hot Rods scored eight runs in the fifth inning, and reversed an early Loons lead into a 12-5 win at Bowling Green Ballpark on Friday night.
Leading 4-2 midway through the fifth inning, the Loons quickly opened the door for Bowling Green when right-handed starter Chris Mathewson (L, 1-1) walked the first two batters of the inning on nine total pitches. Mathewson struck out the next batter, Garrett Whitley, but the card turned over for Bowling Green, and the Hot Rods proceeded to rattle off five straight hits. 
A two-RBI single by left-handed batter Josh Lowe gave Bowling Green a 5-4 lead, and spelled the end of Mathewson's night. Righty Vinny Santarsiero trotted from the bullpen and allowed three straight run-scoring hits, two of them doubles, as Bowling Green opened up a 7-4 advantage.
The Hot Rods brought 12 men to the plate in the bottom of the fifth, and battered the Loons with two singles, four doubles and a triple. The eight runs allowed in a single inning ties a season-high for the Loons. Fort Wayne also put an eight-spot on the board against the Loons on April 22.
Game two of the series is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. EDT on Saturday.
The 2016 Midwest League Champions and hosts of the 2017 MWL All-Star Game presented by GoGreat.com have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. For tickets and more information about the Great Lakes Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.