Lugnuts rally for 5-3 win over TinCaps

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Lansing Lugnuts (16-25, 48-62) scored five unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth innings to come back and win, 5-3, over the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Parkview Field on Saturday night.

The win was just the second for Lansing in 11 tries against Fort Wayne this season.

Trailing 3-0 entering the fifth, Lansing plated a pair of runs to get to within a run. Dwight Smith, Jr. ripped an RBI double to score Jordan Leyland and then Emilio Guerrero's RBI groundout scored Jason Leblebijian, bringing the Lugnuts to within 3-2.

They took the lead in the next inning thanks to Daniel Klein. With runners on the corners, Klein ripped a double deep to left field, scoring a pair to put the Lugnuts ahead. Smith followed a batter later with an RBI single, scoring Klein and putting Lansing up, 5-3.

All of the Lugs' runs came against Fort Wayne starter Bryan Rodriguez (Loss, 2-5), who allowed eight hit, struck out two and walked three.

In his opposition, Ben White (Win, 7-6) settled down after giving up a run in the first and two more in the third. White lasted seven strong innings for yet another quality start, giving up three runs - two earned - on six hits. He struck out four while issuing four free passes.

Arik Sikula pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to earn his 16th save of the season.

The five-game series continues with a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Game one opens up at 2:05 p.m. with Daniel Norris (0-7, 5.55) of Lansing taking on Fort Wayne right-hander Joe Ross (4-5, 3.54). Eric Brown (0-0, 0.00) will start for Lansing in game two against Walker Weickel (3-5, 5.53).

Lansing Lugnuts tickets are available for purchase at lansinglugnuts.com and by calling 517-485-4500, and Lugnuts text alerts are easily accessed by texting LUGNUTS to 313131.