Lansing’s Butler Nearly Hits for Cycle, as Captains Fall 8-4

(EASTLAKE, OH) – The Lake County Captains (39-36) lost the finale of this week’s six-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts (28-47) by a final score of 8-4, ultimately splitting the series with Lansing on a picturesque Sunday at Classic Park.

After a scoreless first inning, the Lugnuts piled on four runs in the top of the second, thanks to an RBI single from third baseman Joshwan Wright, and a three-run home run from centerfielder Lawrence Butler.

The Captains would respond in the bottom of the second with an RBI double from catcher Zac Fascia, leaving the score at 4-1 through two innings of play.

The scoring would stall until the top of the fourth inning, when Lugnuts first baseman Matt Cross hit a solo home run, his sixth of the season, giving Lansing a 5-1 lead through four innings.

Later, in the top of the seventh, a double from Butler and a walk from Lugnuts catcher Jared McDonald would set up a two-run single from shortstop Jack Winkler, making it a Lansing a 7-1 advantage. Butler would finish 3-5 and a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

Lake County designated hitter Korey Holland then led off the bottom of the seventh with a first-pitch solo home run, cutting the Captains’ deficit to 7-2.

After an RBI single from Winkler in the top of the ninth for Lansing, Lake County centerfielder Petey Halpin answered with a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to make the score 8-4, which ended up being the final score.

Captains starter Tommy Mace picked up the loss, striking out five, while surrendering six hits, five earned runs and three walks in four innings pitched. Relief pitchers Davis Sharpe, Jack DeGroat, and Trey Benton allowed seven hits and three runs combined, while striking out five as well.

For Lansing, pitcher Osvaldo Berrios earned the win, tying a season-high with eight strikeouts in five innings of relief.

Lake County begins a six game road series on the Fourth of July, against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m.

Coverage of the game can be found on WJCU.org/Captains and the MiLB First Pitch app.