Rincon Blast the Difference
May 4, 2017 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release
Rincon Blast the Difference League-leader in home runs ends skid in flashy fashion
MIDLAND, Mich. - He already was tied for the Midwest League-lead in home runs with six entering play Wednesday. But, Carlos Rincon did everyone one better with a two-run, walk-off home run to snap a five-game losing streak for the Great Lakes Loons with a 5-3 victory over the Burlington Bees. It's the second walk-off home run in the last 10 days for the Loons as Luis Paz also played the hero on April 23 against the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Gavin Lux walked with one out in the 9th inning and advanced into scoring position via a passed ball. But none of that mattered as Rincon crushed a pitch from reliever Blake Smith (L, 0-1) 398 feet onto Buttles Street beyond the left field fence at Dow Diamond.
The 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic put up big numbers in 2016 splitting time between the Dominican and Arizona Leagues hitting .328 with 13 HR and 49 RBI in 52 games. And Rincon has upped the ante to start this year's campaign as he's now hitting .351 with 7 HR and 17 RBI in just 20 games. The 6-foot-3 righty is hitting roughly a home run every 10 at-bats.
The Loons took the lead two separate times in the game before Burlington (9-13) pulled in front in the top of the 6th inning. Great Lakes (10-16) eventually tied the game in the bottom of the 7th when they loaded the bases and Saige Jenco trotted home thanks to a Ronnie Glenn (BS, 1) balk.
It was a full scorebook as both teams combined for 15 hits, eight walks, five errors and 13 strikeouts. Rincon was joined by Lux and Brendon Davis who all turned in multi-hit nights, while Rincon and Oneil Cruz each drove in a pair of runs for the Loons.
Michigan State Spartan Jordan Zimmerman and Brennan Morgan each had a pair of hits for Burlington. Josh Merrigan did his part driving in two runs and legging out a triple. Sam Pastrone started for the Bees and went five innings allowing two runs on six hits.
Jordan Sheffield got the start for Great Lakes and pitched four innings allowing one run on two hits. He issued four walks, but used the strikeout to his advantage with five punch outs. Sven Sch-ller (W, 2-0) had a sparkling relief appearance pitching the final 3.1 innings without allowing a run on just two hit.
With the series now tied there's all to play for between the Loons and Bees on Wednesday morning. First pitch will be at 10:35 a.m. on a School Kids Day presented by MidMichigan Health. Left-hander Leo Crawford (0-2, 7.85 ERA) is set to get the start for the Loons, while Burlington will counter with righty Travis Herrin (0-0, 2.81).
The 2016 Midwest League Champions and hosts of the 2017 MWL All-Star Game presented by GoGreat.com have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. For tickets and more information about the Great Lakes Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.
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