Bees hang on to top Lugnuts, 4-3

Patrick Murphy tied a career high with seven innings pitched, limiting the Bees to two runs. (Tyler Marcotte)

By Jesse Goldberg-Strassler

May 6, 2017

LANSING, Mich. - J.B. Woodman and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. drilled back-to-back two-out doubles in the ninth inning, but the Burlington Bees (10-15) survived to defeat the Lansing Lugnuts (15-12), 4-3, on Saturday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.The Bees broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth on an RBI triple from

LANSING, Mich. - J.B. Woodman and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. drilled back-to-back two-out doubles in the ninth inning, but the Burlington Bees (10-15) survived to defeat the Lansing Lugnuts (15-12), 4-3, on Saturday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The Bees broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth on an RBI triple from former Michigan State Spartan Jordan Zimmerman against reliever Kirby Snead (Loss, 1-1). Zimmerman was awarded home plate when the relay throw toward third from shortstop Yeltsin Gudino bounced into the dugout.

Nick Hartman averted further damage in the frame, entering from the bullpen to strike out Angel Almao and strand the bases loaded, then striking out two more Bees in a scoreless ninth to keep the deficit at 4-2.

In the bottom of the ninth, Nathan Bertness (Win, 1-2) set down Nick Sinay on a flyout and Jake Thomas on a strikeout, putting the Lugnuts one out away from defeat. Woodman sparked hope, crushing a double into the right-center gap. Guerrero followed with a drive to the wall in left, bringing in Woodman to narrow the deficit to one run. With Bradley Jones at the plate, Guerrero stole third, putting the potential game-tying run 90 feet away from scoring.

Jones grounded out to second baseman Zimmerman, ending the game.

Lansing starter Patrick Murphy tied a career high with seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out one. It was the second consecutive night that a Lugnuts starter had allowed two runs in seven innings, joining Justin Maese 's effort in the opener.

Gudino went 2-for-4 to lead the offense. MiLB OBP leader Thomas was 1-for-3 with two walks, increasing his on-base percentage to .553. Guerrero drew a walk in addition to his double, finishing 1-for-4 and extending his on-base streak to 24 games.

On Sunday, the Lugnuts will celebrate "Frozen" on a special Delta Dental Kids Day: Gates open at 1 p.m. with Play Catch on the Field before the game, Kids Run the Bases after the game, and special appearances from Anna and Elsa! Lansing right-hander Denis Diaz (0-0, 5.59) starts opposite Burlington right-hander Andrew Vinson (2-2, 6.00) at 2:05 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
# # #