Fort Wayne Survives Late Lugnut Rally
July 14, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING - The Fort Wayne Wizards survived several late rallies by the Lansing Lugnuts, taking the rubber matchup of the three game set 7-5 before 7,761 at Oldsmobile Park Friday night.
The score was tied 2-2 in the seventh inning when Jodam Rivera and Javis Diaz each reached to lead the frame off for Fort Wayne. Mike Baxter then tripled into right-center field to give the Wizards a 4-2 lead. He would later score on a Kyle Blanks single to extend the advantage to 5-2.
After the Lugnuts plated a run in the bottom of the seventh, the Wizards scored a run to regain the three run advantage in the eighth. Diaz smacked a triple into right field to score Rivera to make it 6-3.
The Lugnuts fought back in the eighth inning when Anthony Garibaldi and Anthony Hatch belted back-to-back solo homers to cut the lead to 6-5. Jacob Butler followed that up a with a single and moved to second on a Brian Pettway walk. However the inning would come to an end on a close play at first base that retired David Hicks.
Nathan Staggs (4-1) got the win for the Wizards in relief. He struggled and allowed two runs on two hits.
Josh Sowers (0-1) suffered the loss for the Lugnuts, giving up three runs on as many hits in 1/3 of an inning.
John Madden entered the game in the ninth to seal the win for Fort Wayne. It was his eighth save of the season.
Lansing (49-40, 9-13) will hit the road on Saturday to begin a four game series with the Kane County Cougars. Casey McKenzie (0-1, 2.08) will get the call for the Lugnuts. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.
Midwest League Stories from July 14, 2006
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