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MWL Great Lakes Loons

DeLuca Homers Late for 5-3 Win

August 4, 2021 - Midwest League (MWL)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, MI - The Great Lakes Loons (44-35) began a six-game series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps (36-43) with a 5-3 win at Dow Diamond Tuesday night, winning their second-straight game. Since joining the Loons from Low-A Rancho Cucamonga, Jonny DeLuca slugged his fourth home run in his ninth game with GL to break a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth after Carson Taylor reached on an error to extend the inning.

Starter Hyun-il Choi and second baseman Eddys Leonard both made their High-A season debut Tuesday night. Choi recorded eight strikeouts and no walks in his five-inning start, allowing one run on six hits. Leonard swatted a two-run blast in his first at-bat, extending the Loons lead in the second inning.

Following Choi's five innings, left-hander Andrew Shaps struck out a batter in a scoreless sixth, despite two hit batters and two wild pitches. With Ornelas at third and one out, Brandon Lewis preserved a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth with a throw to Taylor at the plate after Ornelas tried to score.

Jake Cantleberry surrendered two runs on two hits with 1 1/3 innings, striking out a batter and allowing the only Loons walk of the night. Righty Mike Mokma (W, 2-2) waived two batters on strikes for the final five outs with no runs or hits.

Tuesday night continued the longest home stand for Great Lakes this season with game number seven of a twelve-game stand at Dow Diamond. Tuesday's win makes the Loons 6-1 against Fort Wayne in the season series.

Ryan Ward began the scoring with his 13th double of the season in the bottom of the first and was brought in by an Andy Pages sacrifice fly. Leonel Valera knocked his only hit in his first at-bat, doing his part to contribute to Leonard's two-run blast a batter later. Great Lakes and Fort Wayne went scoreless through the sixth inning until a leadoff Chris Givin walk was scored on a Grant Little sacrifice fly. Tirso Ornelas tied the game in the top of the eighth with his third home run of the season on a solo pop. The only error of Tuesday's game proved to be decisive with DeLuca homering after an error allowed Taylor to reach and continue the inning in the bottom of the eighth.

Fort Wayne's Moises Lugo was responsible for three runs on five hits in five innings, despite walking one and striking out seven. Edwin Bencomo held the Loons offense scoreless in two innings, allowing only one hit and striking out two. Sam Williams allowed the decisive two runs in the eighth inning while striking out two batters.

A 12-game home stand continues at Dow Diamond to begin the month of August and continues Wednesday night, first pitch scheduled at 7:05 P.M. EDT. Coverage on ESPN 100.9 FM begins with the Loons On-Deck Circle, Built by Three Rivers, at 6:30 P.M. EDT, gates open at 6 P.M. with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 P.M. Cole Percival, who made his first professional start the last time out, is scheduled to start Wednesday's game for Great Lakes. Fort Wayne sends Connor Lehmann back to the mound against the Loons, following his first game with the TinCaps saw him allow six earned runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings against Lansing.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-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 ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

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