Lugnuts top error-prone Cubs, 5-4

Dan Lietz tossed the final three innings in relief, helping the Lugnuts win their second straight game in South Bend. (Tyler Marcotte)

By Jesse Goldberg-Strassler

May 19, 2017

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Lansing Lugnuts (21-17) took advantage of five errors, including a crucial two-run throwing error in the eighth inning, to knock off the South Bend Cubs (25-15), 5-4, on Friday night at Four Winds Field.It was the Lugnuts' second consecutive win in South Bend, improving Lansing's road

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Lansing Lugnuts (21-17) took advantage of five errors, including a crucial two-run throwing error in the eighth inning, to knock off the South Bend Cubs (25-15), 5-4, on Friday night at Four Winds Field.

It was the Lugnuts' second consecutive win in South Bend, improving Lansing's road record to a Midwest League-best 12-6.

Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Lugs placed runners Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette at first and second base with one out. Ryan Hissey grounded back to pitcher John Michael Knighton (Blown Save; Loss, 0-1). Knighton considered a throw to second, before turning and tossing wildly toward first base. Both Guerrero and Bichette raced around the bases, giving the Lugnuts a 4-3 lead.
Lansing added an important insurance run in the ninth. Christian Williams reached on an error by second baseman Yeiler Peguero. Three batters later, Edward Olivares laced an RBI single to left for a two-run lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, following a Bradley Jones error, Isaac Paredes's RBI single brought the Cubs back within one. Luis Ayala walked and Zack Short was hit by a pitch, loading the bases, but Dan Lietz coaxed a flyout from Peguero to end the game.

Lietz (Win, 1-0) fired the final three innings, allowing one unearned run on two hits, one walk and two strikeouts.

Lansing starter Denis Diaz was also on his game, limiting the Cubs to one hit and one run in five innings, walking two and striking out six.

Olivares, Guerrero and Jake Thomas each collected two hits, with Guerrero scoring two of the Lugnuts' five runs. J.B. Woodman reached base three times in four plate appearances, collecting a single and two walks.

Lansing left fielder Nick Sinay was hit by a pitch for the Midwest League-leading ninth time in just his 14th game of the season.
The Lugnuts go for a third straight win in the four-game series at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, sending right-hander Mike Ellenbest (1-3, 6.75) against Cubs right-hander Tyson Miller (2-3, 4.15).

The next homestand at Cooley Law School Stadium stretches from Monday, May 22nd, through Monday, May 29th, featuring four-game series with the Lake County Captains and the Great Lakes Loons. Purchase your tickets at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
# # #