Nowlin lifts Snappers over Nuts in 9th, 7-6

LANSING, Mich. - Kyle Nowlin blooped a broken-bat tie-breaking single in the ninth inning, sending the Beloit Snappers (11-10, 43-47) to a 7-6 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (6-15, 43-44) on Thursday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The game saw a rollercoaster ride of lead changes, from an early 1-0 Lugnuts edge, to a 4-1 Beloit lead following a four-run second inning, to a 6-4 Lugnuts advantage following five unanswered runs spread from the third through the seventh innings.

In the eighth, it was the Snappers' turn to seize control, tying the game at 6-6 against Geno Encina on a Jesus Lopez sacrifice fly and a Jason Goldstein RBI single.

That set the stage for the ninth. Trace Loehr led off with a single against Encina (Loss, 3-2), moving to second on an Eric Mariñez sacrifice. Following a Luke Persico groundout, Nowlin lifted a soft liner to shallow right field, bringing in Loehr with the decisive run.

Yordys Alejo(Win, 3-3) pitched the final two innings in perfect fashion to earn the victory, striking out two.

Lansing's offense was led by catcher Andres Sotillo , who went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI singles, and designated hitter Ridge Smith , who was 2-for-5 with an RBI single and an RBI double.

Lugs starter Mike Ellenbest pitched well in a no-decision, allowing only the Snappers' four second-inning runs in six innings of work.

Beloit third baseman Loehr repeated his feat from the previous night, going 4-for-5 with two singles, a double and a triple.

The third game of the six-game homestand will start at 7:05 p.m. Friday, a Salute to Service and Military Eat Free with postgame LAFCU Fireworks! Lansing right-hander Yennsy Diaz (5.33) starts against Beloit right-hander Matt Milburn (4.36). Tickets may be purchased at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
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