Streak ends as Lugnuts blow lead in 9th
July 9, 2004 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING The pitchers controlled the game as both teams struggled at the plate including Brian Dopirak, whose 27-game hitting streak finally came to an end. The Lugnuts (7-9, 45-41) took a 1-0 lead to the ninth when a three-run blast by Burlington (9-6, 31-54) claimed the victory for the Bees 3-1 Friday night at Olds Park.
Burlingtons John Gragg and Lansings Robert Ransom both cruised through the first four innings. In the fifth, Gragg made one mistake to Alberto Garcia, who took him yard to right field for the Lugnuts only run. Ransom worked seven shutout innings of his own, allowing only five hits and striking out four.
Dopirak reached base twice with a walk and an error but came up for the last time in the seventh still needing a hit to extend his streak. With two on, he popped out to second to put an end to the second longest hitting streak in Lugnuts history at 27 games, one shy of the team record.
Adalberto Mendez came in in the ninth to preserve the one-run shutout but Burlington wouldnt go down. Brett Groves walked and Mitch Maier followed with a single to put two on. One batter later, Kila Kaaihue ripped an opposite-field shot that just snuck over the left-centerfield wall for the three-run homer that would clinch the game.
Ransom was left with no decision as Mendez (4-6) took the loss. Nate Moore (1-0) got his first win for Burlington finishing the last 2.1 innings. Dopirak and the Lugnuts look to start new streaks Saturday night against Burlington. Lefty Justin Jones will take the mound for Lansing to face the Bees Ambiorix Burgos. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
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