MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Big Chiefs seventh dooms Lansing

Published on July 18, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


Peoria, Ill. - The Lansing Lugnuts struggles in rubber matchups continued Friday night, as the Peoria Chiefs took the decisive third game of the series 6-3 at O'Brien Field. Lansing is now just 2-7 in rubber games, with all seven losses coming against Western Division opponents.

The Chiefs were able to mount a huge two-out rally with the score tied in the bottom of the seventh. Nate Samson laced a single into left field off of reliever Edgar Estanga. The hit plated Elvis Lara, putting the Chiefs up 3-2.

After Jonathan Wyatt drew a walk to load the bases, Jovan Rosa drilled a bases clearing double into center field that put the Chiefs up 6-2.

Peoria snatched the lead in the fourth inning when Wyatt and Rosa delivered consecutive one-out hits. Wyatt singled to center and scored when Rosa ripped a double into the left field corner, making it a 1-0 game.

Rosa finished the game 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI.

The Chiefs would double their lead in the next frame when Lara raced home from third base on a fielder's choice by Luis Flores to third base. Lara was able to sneak in under the tag of Matt Liuzza at home, making it a 2-0 game.

The Lugnuts were able to tie the game in the top of the seventh. After back-to-back singles put runners at the corners, Yohermyn Chavez bounced into an RBI fielder's choice, cutting the lead to 2-1. Raul Barron would reach later in the inning on an error by Peoria second baseman Jake Opitz, which also allowed Darin Mastroianni to score from third, tying the game at 2-2.

Lansing had two great chances to take an early lead, but the Lugnuts came up short each time as they left two runners in scoring position in both the third and fourth innings.

Lansing's final run of the game came in the eighth when David Cooper hit his first homer as a Lugnut, a solo shot to right-center field.

Julio Castillo pitched well for the Chiefs, as he threw six innings of scoreless baseball. He did not factor into the decision.

Instead Jordan Latham (4-2) got the win for Peoria after tossing the seventh. He gave up two runs, one earned, on three hits.

Steve Vento nailed the save by tossing a perfect ninth.

Lansing's Joe Wice (3-1) suffered the loss after allowing two runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief.

Lansing (56-42, 17-11) will continue the road trip Saturday as they open a three-game series at Kane County. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

Check out the Lansing Lugnuts Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from July 18, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central