Johnson Pitches Loons to Victory

Published on August 13, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Steven Johnson fired a career-high eight innings and Francisco Lizarraga singled home the game-winning run in the ninth inning to lead the Great Lakes Loons to a 3-2 victory Monday evening over the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Johnson threw 95 pitches over eight innings and allowed just four hits. For the second consecutive start, he did not allow a walk. Thomas Melgarejo pitched a perfect ninth to record his second save.

With the game tied 2-2, Scott Van Slyke reached on an error by right fielder Tyler Johnson on a sinking, slicing line drive. Lizarraga followed with a single up the middle to plate Van Slyke with the go-ahead run.

The Loons took an early 2-0 lead in the first. With one out, Matt Berezay reached on an error by first baseman Mark Trumbo. Carlos Santana followed with a double to right. Then both Berezay and Santana scored on a single by Eduardo Perez.

Cedar Rapids pulled to within one on a solo homer by Ryan Mount in the second. The Kernels then tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Wil Ortiz. The run scored was unearned following a throwing error by Steven Johnson.

The Loons' eight-game road trip concludes Tuesday afternoon with a day game at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Josh Wall (5-9) will be opposed by Jeremy Haynes (5-5). First pitch is scheduled for 1pm ET. The Loons return to Dow Diamond Thursday for the first of two against Dayton. Lawn tickets remain for Thursday's game. Friday's contest is sold out. The Loons have just 11 home games remaining in their 2007 inaugural season.

Tickets are available by calling 989-837-BALL or by visiting Loons.com.

Midwest League Stories from August 13, 2007

• Lugnuts Bounce Beloit, 9-4 - Lansing Lugnuts
• Snappers Fall Again - Beloit Sky Carp
• Cahill Gets Cougars Back on Track - Kane County Cougars
• Chiefs Winning Streak Snapped at Five with 10-0 Loss - Peoria Chiefs
• Chiefs Winning Streak Snapped at Five with 10-0 Loss - Peoria Chiefs
• Maiques Makes History with 27th Save - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Furbush Wins Battle of Fourth-Round Picks - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Dragons Drop Third Straight to Burlington - Dayton Dragons
• Johnson Pitches Loons to Victory - Great Lakes Loons
• Furbush Fans 10 in Whitecaps Win - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Swing Newsletter - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Friday's Loons Game Sold Out - Great Lakes Loons
• Lugnuts to Auction Jerseys for Charity - Lansing Lugnuts
• Kernels host Loons at noon - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Former Kernel ties major league record - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Snappers And Minnesota Twins To Make Announcement Tomorrow - Beloit Sky Carp
• You Decide the Wizards Player of the Year - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Swing To Award Full-Time Position On Apprentice Night - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Yes Sir, it's Yesid coming to Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne TinCaps

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.

Other Recent Great Lakes Loons Stories

• Sirota Homers, Doubles Twice and Drives in Three in Loons 9-5 Win
• Sky Carp Win 10-8 Shootout, Loons Hit Five Home Runs in Loss
• Dayton Drives in Two in the Ninth, Win 6-5 to Split Series
• Dayton Holds off Great Lakes, Win 4-1
• Sirota Hits Walk-off Double, Loons and Dragons Split Error Laden Doubleheader