Captains Overcome Six Run Deficit to Win 10-7

(Eastlake, Ohio) - The Lake County Captains overcame a six run deficit and scored nine unanswered runs to defeat the Great Lakes Loons 10-7 on Friday. The Captains were aided by two bases loaded triples in back to back innings.

The Loons scored twice in the top of the second inning when with runners at first and second, J.T. Wise reached on an infield single but a throwing error by Captains starter Joe Gardner scored Blake Smith from third base. The next batter Austin Yount grounded into a double play that allowed Angelo Songco to score and the Loons led 2-0. The Loons added four more runs in the top of the third inning highlighted by a three run home run by Jerry Sands, his eighth homer of the year, and the lead was 6-0.

The Captains scored in the bottom of the fourth inning when Roberto Perez doubled and scored two batters later when Chris Kersten doubled to make it 6-1. The lead was increased to 7-1 in the top of the sixth inning as Johan Garcia singled home Wise. The Captains scored five times in the bottom of the sixth inning when a run scored on a RBI single from Jeremie Tice, another on a fielder's choice RBI off the bat of Adam Abraham and a bases loaded triple by Kyle Smith and it was 7-6.

The Captains finished the comeback scoring four more times in the bottom of the seventh inning when Tice singled home another run and Greg Folgia tripled with the bases loaded and the Captains led 10-7. Captains pitching allowed only three base runners after the third inning.

Gardner got no decision working four innings allowing six runs, three earned on six hits, walking three and striking out four. Francisco Jimenez followed Gardner and threw two innings and allowed a run on two hits while striking out two. Matt Packer (1-0) got his first professional win hurling two scoreless innings allowing a hit. Cory Burns pitched a scoreless ninth inning striking out two to pick up his seventh save. Loons starter Josh Wall did not get a decision either going five innings and allowing four runs on five hits, walking two and striking out four. Andy Suitor (0-2) took the loss allowing six runs, five earned in 1.1 innings of work.

The Captains and Loons play game two of the four game series on Saturday at 1:00PM. This is the final Saturday afternoon game of the year. The Captains will send RHP Danny Salazar (0-1, 5.93) to the hill to oppose the Loons RHP Brett Wallach (2-0, 1.74). The game can be heard on AM 1330 WELW, ESPN 970 WFUN and on the internet at captainsbaseball.com.

On Saturday the first 1,000 kids through the turnstiles will receive a custom-made Captains comic book, presented by Comic Heaven and Laronge Wagner Realty. In addition, the first 1,000 fans 18 and over who bring their non-winning Ohio Lottery tickets to the park will receive prizes from the Ohio Lottery and the Captains. Fans can also win tickets for the "Road to the Ohio Cup" games between the Reds and the Indians at Progressive Field May 21 and 22.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Fans may visit CaptainsBaseball.com for information on alternate routes to and from Classic Park during the current construction that is taking place on Route 91. The Captains are working with the City of Eastlake and ODOT to ensure the smoothest possible traffic flow for fans attending games at Classic Park until the construction is completed.

A complete promotions schedule can be found at CaptainsBaseball.com. Individual 2010 game tickets are on sale at the Classic Park box office or on line at CaptainsBaseball.com. Full season tickets plans, 12-, 20-, and 35-game mini ticket plans for the 2010 season are on sale now and information can be found at the Captains website www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

The Lake County Captains are a Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and play their home games at Classic Park in Eastlake, at the corner of State Route 91 and Vine Street. For more information on the Captains, please visit the team's official website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com.