Atkinson keys 13-hit barrage in 7-4 win

LANSING, Mich. - A four-run sixth inning pushed the Lansing Lugnuts (22-22) ahead of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (20-24) en route to a 7-4 win on Tuesday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The Lugnuts hit 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position as part of a 13-hit offensive attack.

The offense was led by a 4-for-4 showing by Justin Atkinson and 3-for-4 nights from Derrick Loveless and Dawel Lugo. All three players scored two runs apiece.

With the Lugnuts trailing 3-2 entering the sixth, right fielder Loveless led off with a triple to right-center, and Mitch Nay followed with a single to plate the tying run.

Two batters later, singles from Justin Atkinson and Dawel Lugo loaded the bases against Bowling Green starter Ryne Stanek (Loss, 0-2), and Jason Leblebijian worked a two-out, bases-loaded walk from Stone Speer to plate the go-ahead run. Left fielder Dickie Joe Thon followed with a two-run single, capping the rally.

Lansing put the game further out of reach in the seventh on an RBI single by Atkinson, scoring Loveless all the way from first base. It was Atkinson's fourth and final hit, raising his batting average to .330. 

Reliever Roberto Espinosa (Win, 1-0) worked two innings in relief of starter Chase De Jong, giving up one run on two hits and a pair of walks and three strikeouts.

Lansing's Scott Silverstein (Save, 4) pitched a perfect ninth inning to close out the win.

The Lugnuts look to move back above .500 in the finale of the three-game series on a Grand Slam School Day Wednesday morning at Cooley Law School Stadium. Lansing left-hander Alonzo Gonzalez (0-0, 6.75) will make his first start of the season. He will be countered by Bowling Green righty German Marquez (1-2, 3.09). First pitch is at 10:35 a.m.

Tickets are available for purchase via the stadium box office, telephone at 517-485-4500 and online at lansinglugnuts.com. To sign up for Lugnuts Alerts, text LUGNUTS to 80373.

 

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