Lugnuts drop twinbill to Loons, 11-6, 5-2

LANSING, Mich. - The Great Lakes Loons (2-2) struck back after dropping the first two games of the season, sweeping the Lansing Lugnuts (2-2) on Sunday, 11-6 and 5-2, at Cooley Law School Stadium.

In Game 1, Kevin Smith knocked a two-run single and Ridge Smith slugged a two-run homer - the first home run of the Lugnuts' season - but Brayan Morales hit a two-run single in a five-run fifth inning, and the Loons piled up 12 hits, six walks and five hit-by-pitches on their way to victory. Lugnuts reliever Brody Rodning (Loss, 0-1) gave up the damage, allowing the five runs on five hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in 1/3 of an inning.

Added to the roster shortly before game time, Loons left-hander Austin Hamilton (Win, 1-0) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Melvin Jimenez, striking out three Lugnuts.

In the loss, Kacy Clemens went 2-for-3 with a walk and Ryan Noda doubled and drew two walks.

In Game 2, Clemens belted a two-run homer to right - but the Lugnuts managed only one other hit in defeat.

Starter Turner Larkins (Loss, 0-1) allowed three runs in the first and two runs in the third in his Lugnuts debut, finishing with four strikeouts with four frames.

Loons reliever Andre Scrubb (Win, 1-0) twirled two scoreless innings, working around a hit and a walk. He was followed by Devin Hemmerich (Save, 1), who pitched a perfect seventh with two strikeouts.

The Lugnuts head on the road next for a four-game series at Fort Wayne starting Monday at 7:05 p.m., sending right-hander Maverik Buffo to the Parkview Field mound in his Midwest League debut.

The Lansing Lugnuts return home at 7:05 p.m. on Friday the 13th, opening a seven-day, six-game homestand against West Michigan and Lake County. To purchase tickets and live the LugLife, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
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