MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Arano Leads Loons to Fifth Straight Win

April 18, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


APPLETON, WI - Victor Arano isn't officially in the Great Lakes Loons starting rotation. But following a magnificent spot start Thursday night in a 4-3 victory over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the most youthful member of the team might have earned a few more starting tries.

Making a 'bullpen start' necessitated by Sunday's doubleheader, Arano masterfully carved up the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers' lineup over five solid innings, notching eight strikeouts. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and could have kept the bid for history longer had it not been for some shaky defense in the fifth.

With a runner at first and one out, Johnny Davis floated a bloop hit into shallow right field. Second baseman Jesmuel Valentin drifted back but had the ball fall after tipping off his glove. On the play, the Loons had a second chance at an out as right fielder Joey Curletta picked up the ball after it dropped and threw it in time to second base, but the one-hop throw was slightly off the mark and the runner slid in safely at second.

Later in the game, a bunt play in the third inning initially scored an error was changed to a single, giving Arano two total hits allowed with none hit hard.

Wisconsin starter Victor Diaz was solid to through four innings, departing the game with just a first inning run allowed.

But the Loons dented the scoreboard for three scores in the fifth off reliever Trevor Seidenberger, capitalizing on two errors in the frame.

The Timber Rattlers made things interesting, scoring runs in the seventh and eighth to pull to within one run. But Mark Pope closed out the contest, retiring four consecutive batters to get out of the eighth and work a 1-2-3 ninth for his first career save.

With the win, the Loons have now won five straight. Malcolm Holland reached base three times, scored two runs and stole two more bases. He is now 12-for-12 on the base paths. Curletta notched two more hits to raise his batting average to .385.

Davis recorded four hits for the home team, including a triple. The loss for the Timber Rattlers snaps a four-game winning streak.

Game 2 in the series Friday, right-hander Luis Chirinos (1-1, 6.52) makes his third start of the year for the Loons. His mound opponent, righty Preston Gainey (1-0, 0.00) has yet to surrender an earned run. Game time is 7:35 pm ET. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 100.9-FM and ESPN1009.com.

The Great Lakes Loons are an eighth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com, or call 989-837-BALL.

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