Green Homers Twice in 8-7 Opening Day Loss
MWL Lansing Lugnuts

Green Homers Twice in 8-7 Opening Day Loss

Published on April 2, 2026 under Midwest League (MWL)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


LANSING, Mich. - In the bottom of the sixth inning on Thursday night at Jackson® Field™, the Lansing Lugnuts (0-1) were in control of their season opener, leading by four runs. The seventh and eighth innings proved to be the difference-makers, however, as the Dayton Dragons (1-0) won on Opening Night, 8-7.

A pair of RBI singles in the top of the first gave Dayton a quick 2-0 lead against Lugnuts starting pitcher Steven Echavarria. But Echevaria was able to settle the game down, giving up four hits and only those two runs over 4 2/3 innings while striking out four, and his offense struck back.

Dylan Fien supplied an RBI single and a solo home run and Rodney Green, Jr. homered twice, leading the Lugnuts' offense to six unanswered runs and a 6-2 lead. It was the second straight season that Green had slugged a pair of home runs in the Lugnuts' home opener.

But the Dragons tied the game with four runs in the seventh off reliever Samuel Dutton before taking the lead on an Esmith Pineda two-run homer in the eighth.

The Lugnuts rallied in the bottom of the ninth, drawing within a run on a Nate Nankil RBI single. With runners at first and second, Cody Adcock induced Davis Diaz to fly out to center field, thwarting the comeback effort.

The second game of the three-game season-opening homestand is set for 6:05 p.m. Friday, with top prospect Zane Taylor making the start in his Lugnuts debut. For tickets or more information, call (517) 485-4500 or visit www.milb.com/lansing.

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Midwest League Stories from April 2, 2026


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