Estevez, Alvarez Provide Punch

MIDLAND, Mich. - Since the beginning of July infielder Omar Estevez has been one of the hottest hitter on the Great Lakes Loons roster and in the Midwest League. The Los Angeles Dodgers prospect continued that trend on Friday night as he went 3-for-4 with three runs batted in to aid in the Loons 5-2 victory against the Lake County Captains.

"In the beginning of the season I just wasn't used to everything here," Estevez said through translator Ivan Vieitez on ESPN 100.9-FM after the game. "But now I've been able to adjust and have started to get more accustomed and I've improved."

After striking out in his first at-bat against Cleveland Indians 2015 Compensatory 1st Round Pick Triston McKenzie, the Great Lakes second baseman proceeded to homer to left field to lead off the 2nd inning. He then drove in Darien Tubbs in the 6th on an RBI-single and capped off his night with a crowd-rousing double to the wall in left-center field to score another run in the 8th. Since the beginning of July, the 18-year-old out of Cuba is hitting .336 (38-for-113) with six home runs and 25 RBI.

"We've just tried to keep fighting and we're starting to get some momentum from this homestand," Estevez said. "Hopefully it carries onto the road trip and we can keep it going and make the playoffs."

With the victory, the Loons (18-22; 47-63) are within a ½ game of the second half Eastern Division wildcard spot that's currently occupied by the Lansing Lugnuts. The Bowling Green Hot Rods continue to hold a healthy lead (8 ½) on the rest of the pack for the top spot in the second half playoff race.

Also a native of Cuba, starting pitcher Yadier Alvarez got back on track after stumbling, by his standards, his last time out as he threw five scoreless innings and allowed just three hits with seven strikeouts against Lake County. Now with 31 strikeouts in 18 innings since being added to the roster, the right-hander has a healthy 15.5 strikeouts per nine innings ratio.

Not to be outdone on the other side, McKenzie (L, 0-1) made his Midwest League-debut and struck out 11 batters over 5 1/3 innings for the Captains (16-24; 56-54). He did, however, allow three earned runs on four hits as he took the loss.

Ibandel Isabel and Luke Raley each showcased some extra-base power as Isabel roped a double over Lake County centerfielder Jodd Carter's head in the 6th to score a run, and Raley did much of the same with his gutsy triple in the 8th that concluded with a close play at third base.

On in relief for Alvarez came Luis De Paula (BS, 1; W, 1-0) for two frames, followed by Gavin Pittore (SV, 4) who allowed just one baserunner and had four strikeouts. Pittore has been one of the most reliable pitchers out of the bullpen this season as he's held opposing hitters to a .196 batting average, has a 1.99 earned run average and allows 0.99 walks and hits per inning pitched.

The Loons will hit the road for Indiana beginning Saturday as they will tango with the South Bend Cubs for four games. The team will return to Dow Diamond on Thursday as they will welcome back Lake County once again for a fresh four-game set.

The Great Lakes Loons, hosts of the 2017 Midwest League All-Star Game, have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007 and are in their 10th season. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.