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MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Great Lakes Drops a Close One 4-3

April 12, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, MI - Despite having two more hits than Lansing, the Loons were unable to hold onto a three-run lead Monday night and allowed the Lugnuts to make another late-inning rally to win, 4-3.

Lansing's first baseman Balbino Fuenmayor paved the way offensively for the Lugnuts, going five-for-five, and supplied a solo-homer in the eighth that tied the game at three runs apiece. Balbino finished a triple shy of the cycle. Later in the inning, Chris Hopkins' double up the third base line brought in pinch runner Eric Eiland from second base for what proved to be the winning run.

"We got 12 hits, but we struck out a lot," Loons Manager Juan Bustabad said. "We didn't put the ball in play when we had to, and didn't execute defensively."

Loons starting pitcher Elisaul Pimintel had an impressive opening to Monday's game, fanning four of the Lugnuts first five batters and did not let in a run until the fifth inning. "He pitched great you know, pitched four scoreless innings," Bustabad said of his starter "He pitched well enough to win the game, leaving the game up 3-2."

Pimentel gave up two runs in his final inning, when shortstop Kevin Nolan hit a ground-ball double up the third base line to bring the Lugnuts within one. The Loons starter finished with seven strikeouts and three walks to begin the season with a 3.60 ERA.

Left-handed reliever Jordan Roberts came in to relieve Pimentel, allowing two runs in 2.1 innings, and was tagged with the loss and blown save. Steve Smith closed out the game's final 1.2 innings by allowing two hits and no runs.

Offensively, Jerry Sands went four-for-five for the Loons, netting a pair of singles and doubles for one RBI on the night.

With the bases loaded in the fourth, Brian Cavazos-Galvez helped extend the Loons lead with a two-run single that deflected off Lansing shortstop Kevin Nolan. Galvez's second hit of the night put the Loons up 3-0. Cavazos-Galvez also helped in the outfield, saving a run in the second with one out and two Lansing runners in scoring position. Lugnut Jon Talley hit a fly ball to Cavazos-Galvez in right-center field, who made the catch for out two and then made a great throw to third that beat base runner Mark Sobolewski for the double-play.

Lansing closer Steve Turnbull earned the save for the second night in a row, after retiring three of the four Loons batters he faced in the ninth. The Loons will conclude their first series with Lansing Tuesday night. Right-handed pitcher Josh Wall (0-0, 11.25) will throw out the first pitch at 6:05 p.m. for the Loons, while Ryan Shopshire (0-0, 7.20) gets the nod for Lansing. Tuesday night at Dow Diamond is $1 Family Feast Night presented by Chemical Bank, as well as All Saints Catholic High School Spirit Night.

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Midwest League Stories from April 12, 2010


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