MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Dragons upend Lugs, salvage final game of set

Published on August 12, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


LANSING - Five runs over the first three innings were all that the Dayton Dragons would need Tuesday night in a 5-3 triumph over the Lansing Lugnuts before 3,812 fans at Oldsmobile Park. The win allowed Dayton to avoid a sweep in the four-game series.

The Dragons immediately went on the attack as Jake Kahaulelio doubled to start the game and moved to third on Zack Cozart's bunt single. Brandon Waring's single into right field scored Kahaulelio, putting Dayton ahead 1-0. They would make it a 2-0 lead on Devin Mesoraco's bouncer that found its way into left. The hit plated Waring from second base.

Dayton added three more runs in the third inning by collecting four hits and taking advantage of a key error. With a run already home and a man at third, Mesoraco hit a grounder towards Lansing shortstop Justin Jackson. Jackson could not handle the ball, which allowed Waring to cross the plate and make it a 4-0 game. Brandon Menchaca's run scoring single later in the frame brought Mesoraco across the plate, pushing the lead to 5-0.

Lansing got on the board in the third by scoring an unearned run, but for the most part could not figure out Dayton starting pitcher Daniel Guerrero (1-4). He hurled five innings and gave up just the one unearned run on five hits while earning his first win of the season.

Lansing's bullpen was great again Tuesday, as Michael Barbara threw three shutout innings and Frank Gailey chipped in with one to keep the Lugnuts in it.

The Lugnuts had a chance to tie the game in the eighth after loading the bases on three consecutive walks issued by reliever Ruben Medina to start the frame. Aguido Gonzalez was summoned in and gave up a long fly ball to Jonathan Jaspe that fell just short of a homer. The sacrifice fly did plate Justin Jackson to cut the lead to 5-2. Gonzalez then balked to push another run across.

He then survived another scare as Manny Rodriguez nearly tied the game with a homer, but he pulled the pitch just foul. Rodriguez struck out to end the threat, as Lansing could get no closer in the game.

Luis Perez (5-10) took the loss for the Lugnuts. He gave up all five Dayton runs on eight hits. Perez lasted five innings and did settle down to retire the final eight batters that he faced.

Gonzalez garnered the save by throwing the last two innings. It was his third of the season.

Lansing (68-53, 29-22) will start a five-game road trip Wednesday night as they start with a three-game series at West Michigan. First pitch at Fifth Third Ballpark is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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