Pepinillos Picantes del Norte Held to Two Hits, Fort Wayne Wins 5-2

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Manzanas Luchadoras de Fort Wayne (44-55) (17-16) held the Pepinillos Picantes del Norte (55-42) (19-14)

to two hits and won 5-2 on an 81-degree cloudy Friday night at Dow Diamond.

- Brady Smith, threw 5.1 innings in his High-A home debut. The 21-year-old right-hander permitted three baserunners through his first five innings. Justin DeCriscio was hit by a pitch and Alex McCoy doubled to drive in a run and end Smith’s start in the sixth inning.

- Jaron Elkins had both hits for the Pepinillos Picantes. In his third game in Midland, he hit two singles. Fort Wayne starter Maikel Miralles walked three in a row in the sixth. A passed ball scored Great Lakes’ first run. A Nico Perez sacrifice fly made it 2-1 Pepinillos Picantes.

- Reliever Jakob Wright gave up four runs in 1.1 innings. A single, walk and bunt single loaded the bases in the seventh inning. A double play groundout tied the score. Fort Wayne pushed across three in the eighth. Rosman Verdugo and Kasen Wells delivered RBI hits. A wild pitch gave Fort Wayne the lead after Alex McCoy stole second base and also got to third base on a misfire.

- Manzanas Luchadoras relievers Nick Falter and Will Varmette each tossed two scoreless innings.

Rounding Things Out

It was the second time Great Lakes has been held to two hits in a game. Fort Wayne kept the Loons to two hits in game one of an April 5th doubleheader at Dow Diamond.

Up Next

Great Lakes finished July with a 12-12 record. August begins tomorrow Saturday, August 1st. The Michigan Dogmen take the field for the first time at Dow Diamond, presented by Founders Grove Classical Academy. Postgame is a Fireworks Loontacular brought to you by Farm Bureau Insurance. Pregame features The Leadoff Hour, with half-off beer from 5 pm to 6 pm. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. ET.

The Great Lakes Loons have been a partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team’s inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team’s home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and Sports Radio 100.9 The Mitt. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.