Fort Wayne blanks Lugnuts, 3-0

LANSING, Mich. - The Lansing Lugnuts (32-19) were held to four hits in a 3-0 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps (23-27) in a Memorial Day matinee at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The Lugnuts and TinCaps split the four-game series, the first leg of the Lugs' seven-game homestand.

Southpaw Matt Gunter (Loss, 0-1) tossed five innings in his Lugnuts debut, giving up three hits and two walks, striking out two, and allowing only a pair of third-inning runs - one of which was unearned due to three errors committed in the frame.

Chavez Young went 2-for-4 with two singles; Brock Lundquist singled, walked and was hit by a pitch; and Cullen Large doubled in his return from the Disabled List, supplying the Lugnuts' offense.

Otherwise, Lansing was held at bay by 18-year-old Luis Patiño (Win, 2-1) and two relievers. Patiño struck out four while allowing three hits and one walk in five innings. Jordan Guerrero took care of the sixth and seventh innings, and Sparta (Mich.) native Ben Sheckler (Save, 2) handled the eighth and ninth.

The Lugnuts also received strong relief, thanks to Andrew Deramo (three innings, three hits, one run, three strikeouts) and Kyle Weatherly (scoreless 9th).

The Lake County Captains, affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, are next to arrive in Michigan's state capital, opening a three-game series at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday on a Dollar Deal Day, featuring $1 specials on hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, fountain drinks and Miller High Life. Captains right-hander Nick Gallagher (3.63 ERA) starts the opener against Lugnuts right-hander Maverik Buffo (4.46). To purchase tickets and live the Lug Life, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.

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