Skid Continues for Loons

MIDLAND, Mich. - It was a new opponent for the Great Lakes Loons on Saturday night in the Beloit Snappers. But the hosts still couldn't shake their offensive woes as the Snappers prevailed 5-1 to extend the Loons losing streak to nine games. It was, however, another sellout at Dow Diamond as 5,229 fans came out to the ballpark.
Despite a strenuous 1st inning in which he gave up four consecutive base hits, Jordan Sheffield (L, 2-7) turned a quality start for the Loons. Even though he was saddled with the loss, Sheffield only allowed two hits the rest of the way and finished with a career-high 10 strikeouts. He just the second Loon this season to achieve that feat.
The struggles at the plate are what has caused the lengthy winless stretch and Saturday saw the Loons produce just three hits as a team. The Loons (8-15, 44-48) also have not scored more than three runs in a game since July 6 against the South Bend Cubs.
Brendon Davis has been a bright spot for the offense as he extended his hitting streak to 10 games. He's the third player this season for Great Lakes to have a double-digit stretch.
The top of the Beloit lineup did most of the damage as Trace Loehr and Eric Mariñez combined to go 5-for-9, score three runs and drive in two more. Kyle Nowlin also went 2-for-4 with a double.
It was a one-run game heading into the 9th but a walk, hit by pitch, wild pitch, error and two base hits combined to plate three more runs for the Snappers that proved to be more than enough cushion to steal the series opener.
Xavier Altamirano (W, 5-2) masterfully worked through six innings allowing one run on two hits with six strikeouts to pick up the victory for the Snappers (12-11, 44-48). Joseph Camacho (H, 2) and Sam Sheehan finished the game with three shutout frames.
The Loons will look to avoid the losing streak hitting double digits on Sunday afternoon as Dustin May (5-4, 3.68 ERA) will get the start. Beloit is set to send Zack Erwin (2-2, 2.28) to the hill. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. with gates opening at 1 p.m.
The Great Lakes Loons are the 2016 Midwest League Champions and have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2007. Dow Diamond, home of the Loons, also houses ESPN 100.9-FM and the Michigan Baseball Foundation. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.