Five-Run Whitecaps 6th Sinks Lugnuts, 6-5
July 23, 2021 - Midwest League (MWL)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Michael Guldberg slugged a two-run homer and Drew Millas drove in a pair of runs, but a six-walk, five-run sixth inning proved too much to overcome in a 6-5 Lansing Lugnuts (33-37) loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps (32-37) on Friday night at LMCU Ballpark.
A Millas third-inning RBI single and fifth-inning sacrifice fly, each time scoring Lazaro Armenteros, helped the Lugnuts bring a 2-1 lead to the sixth with reliever Leudeny Pineda on the mound. But things took a wild turn: Pineda issued three straight walks before departing due to injury precaution. José Mora entered and walked Gage Workman, the first of three of his own walks in the half-inning, to force in the game-tying run. Eric De La Rosa followed with a three-run triple, and came home himself on a Wenceel Perez groundout, giving the 'Caps a 6-2 lead.
The Lugnuts fought back in the seventh with three runs against Jared Tobey, capped by Guldberg's fifth professional home run, to carve the deficit to one run.
Angel Reyes relieved Tobey and quieted the Lugnuts, finishing the seventh before working a scoreless eighth. Zack Hess then pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to sew up the West Michigan win.
The two teams have split the first four games of the six-game series.
Lugnuts starter Reid Birlingmair allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision, striking out three. His college teammate UIC, Charlie Cerny, succeeded Mora and pitched the final two innings in perfect fashion.
The fifth game of the series will be played at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. Lansing throws right-hander Colin Peluse (4.18 ERA) against Whitecaps right-hander Brendan White (3.65 ERA).
The next Nuts homestand runs from July 27-August 1 vs. Fort Wayne, including White Claws & Paws/LAFCU Fireworks on July 30, a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bobblehead Giveaway on July 31 and a partnership with the Potter Park Zoo with the Lugnuts playing as the Lansing Black Rhinos on August 1. To purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
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