Lugnuts sail past Whitecaps, 9-3

LANSING, Mich. - The Lansing Lugnuts (18-28, 50-65) scored five early runs and cruised to a 9-3 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps (22-21, 55-58) on Wednesday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The Lugnuts improved to 5-2 on the season against the Whitecaps.

Lansing jumped ahead in the second inning against West Michigan starter Montreal Robertson (Loss, 2-6). With two on and no outs, Chris Hawkins singled up the middle, scoring Carlos Ramirez and Jordan Leyland, putting the Lugs up, 2-0.

The next inning, Kevin Patterson blasted a three-run homer out to deepest right-center, his 17th longball of the year, to put the Lugs up, 5-0.

It was more than enough run support for Lansing starter Taylor Cole (Win, 7-10)

The Las Vegas native tossed 5.2 strong innings, surrendering just one run in the win. He allowed just four hits, striking out three while issuing one walk.

On the other side, Robertson allowed five runs - all earned - in five innings of work. He gave up seven hits to Lansing, five of which went for extra bases.

In total, Lansing slugged eight extra-base hits, including two-hit performances from Emilio Guerrero, Lopes, Ramirez, Hawkins and Daniel Klein.

The series continues on the last Labatt Blue Light Thirsty Thursday of the year, featuring $1 beers and a postgame plaza party starring Starfarm! First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with Lansing handing the ball to Ben White (7-6, 3.56) against West Michigan's Edgar De La Rosa (6-5, 6.23).

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.