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MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Great Lakes Sweeps Homestand

June 8, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, Mich. - Make it six consecutive victories for the Great Lakes Loons, who all of a sudden appear to be the hottest team in the Midwest League.

Great Lakes put an exclamation point on a statement of a homestand during which they did not lose with a second series sweep thanks to a 4-3 victory over the Burlington Bees on Monday night at Dow Diamond. It also makes it 11 wins in 12 games, the best stretch of that length this season.

The Loons (31-26) continue to ascend higher in the league's standings, and every team around the league is starting to take notice as the All-Star break approaches. The teams with the best two records in the Midwest League's Eastern Division at the All-Star break receive automatic bids to the postseason this fall.

The Loons currently sit just 1 1/2 games behind the Bowling Green Hot Rods, who occupy the No. 2 spot in the standings with two weeks until the break.

A little more than 24 hours after he notched a walk-off base hit to give the Loons their 5th consecutive win, shortstop Faustino Oguisten made an outstanding defensive play to end Monday's game.

With the tying run 90 feet away and two out in the top of the 9th inning, Burlington left fielder Trevor Gretzky hit a line drive up the middle. Oguisten went full extension, snatched the ball out of the air and made an accurate throw to first baseman Josmar Cordero, sealing the victory.

"It was an incredible play," said Loons Manager Luis Matos. "You are never going to get tired of winning. We are doing everything right, now. We were down and came back in this game just like yesterday. It's good for us."

A strong offensive effort is what has earned the Loons all six of their consecutive victories during the home stretch. Catcher Spencer Navin delivered the biggest hit on Monday night: A two-out lined shot to the third baseman, which forced a bad throw sent flying into the stands and gave Great Lakes a 3-2 lead.

The defensive miscue came in vast contrast to a solid day in the field by Great Lakes, highlighted by a leaping grab by centerfielder Johan Mieses during the top of the 6th inning, which saved a run and kept the game tied at 3-3. Burlington reliever Jake Jewel (3-2) gave up Navin's hit and took the loss.

"I just wanted to get my foot down and put it in play," Navin said. "We have everything going right now. Everybody is contributing. Everything is adding up for us. That's the key.

In his first start since returning from the disabled list, starting pitcher Kevin Guzman (4-4) tossed six innings, surrendering five hits and three runs while earning the win. After the go-ahead hit by Navin, Matos handed the ball to reliever Derrick Sylvester, who allowed two base runners but escaped the inning unscathed. Closer Jose Molina earned the one-out save.

The Bees (28-30) struck first during the bottom of the 3rd inning after Gretzky singled to lead off the inning. Advancing to second base on a balk by Guzman, the right fielder scored on a bloop single in front of Great Lakes left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo, which gave Burlington the early 1-0 lead.

Right fielder Natanael Delgado cushioned the visiting team's lead two innings later with a one-out two-run home run to right centerfield, pushing the Bees' lead to 3-0.

The Loons spoiled Burling starter Austin Robichaux's previously near perfect start with several consecutive base hits and a three-run 5th inning.

Designated hitter Julian Leon, Scavuzzo and Navin hit back-to-back-to-back base hits to start the inning. Next, leadoff man Alex Verdugo hit a chopper to the shortstop, scoring the home team's first run of the game on a sacrifice groundout. A wild pitch allowed the Loons to score another run before Mieses hit a triple to right field to tie the game 3-3.

The Loons have a day off Tuesday before heading to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to open a mid-week series against the Kernels beginning Wednesday. Brandon Martinez will get the start for Great Lakes. He has yet to register a decision this season despite striking out 13 batters in 13 innings pitched. Cedar Rapids gives Felix Jorge the start with his 3-2 record and 2.62 ERA.

The team returns to Dow Diamond on Tuesday, June 16 for Dodgers Route of Champions Night. Join us as we take a look back at memorable moments in Dodgers history and Loons alum in the Dodgers organization.

The Great Lakes Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com, or call 989-837-BALL.

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Midwest League Stories from June 8, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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