MWL Great Lakes Loons

Lake County Longballs Dictates 7-1 Loons Loss

June 23, 2021 - Midwest League (MWL)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, MI - Two Lake County homers decided Wednesday's contest at Dow Diamond, as the Great Lakes Loons (22-22) fell to the Lake County Captains (24-20), 7-1. Loons starter Bobby Miller surrendered three earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in his eighth start of the year, after not allowing an earned run in the month of June. Lake County's Joe Naranjo produced the first homerun given up by Miller of the season in the first inning, plating three with two outs. Cole Percival (L, 2-3) allowed two runs on three hits relieving Miller, while Captains pitcher Tim Herrin (W, 3-1) held the Loons scoreless in his three innings of relief, striking out four and walking two. Making his third start for Lake County, right-hander Xzavion Curry began the night with four scoreless frames, walking two batters and striking out seven on 90 pitches.

Loons third baseman Deacon Liput tallied his fourth homerun of the season to prevent the shutout in the home half of the ninth inning, with all four HRs coming in his last four games. Leonel Valera and Justin Yurchak were the only Loons batters to record a multi-hit game in Wednesday's loss. For Yurchak, it was multi-hit game number 10 in the month of June, recording nine in his last ten games. Valera recorded his seventh multi-hit performance of the season, his first June 5. Despite the shutout, Great Lakes entered Wednesday as one of the hottest offensive units in the High-A Central, and were fresh off a season-high 18 hits in a 9-1 victory the night prior. Entering Wednesday, the Loons led the HAC in runs (236), total bases (624) and runs batted in (217), and were second in hits (368), homeruns (51), and OPS (.774).

Curry's four scoreless innings dictated the tempo for Great Lakes offensively, unable to plate any runs until the bottom of the ninth. The Loons outhit Lake County, __ to __, despite entering Wednesday 16-4 when doing so this season. All of Lake County's runs were produced on the longball, with Naranjo scoring three in the first, and Daniel Schneeman's third HR of the year coming as a grand slam in the third. Lake County pitchers combined to strike out 14 Loons batters Wednesday night, while four GL arms combined for 12 strikeouts and two walks against the Captains. Great Lakes finished 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, while Lake County ended Wednesday 2-for-14 in the same department.

This week's series at Dow Diamond continues between Lake County and Great Lakes with game three of a six-game set on Thursday night, first pitch scheduled at 7:05 P.M. EDT. Thursday nights at Dow Diamond are Thirsty Thursdays at Dow Diamond, presented all summer long by Miller Lite. Thursday is also That 70s Night, with gates opening an hour prior to first pitch to celebrate the decade of disco in style. Coverage can be followed live on ESPN 100.9 FM with the Loons On-Deck Circle, Built by Three Rivers.

Lake County sends their first southpaw of the series to the mound in Logan Allen Thursday night, making his eighth start of the year. Lake County's Logan Allen is not to be mistaken with the Cleveland Indians' Logan Allen, coincidentally a fellow lefty, and both Floridians. In seven starts, Allen holds a 0.97 WHIP in 39 1/3 innings, tallying 49 strikeouts. Great Lakes puts the ball in the hands of righty Clayton Beeter for his 11th start, bringing a 5.40 ERA in his 11 2/3 innings on the year. Making 11 appearances in 2021, Beeter has 16 strikeouts and walked five.

Continuing the week's promotional schedule, Great Lakes breaks out their second Dodgers Bluesday on Friday, presented by MidMichigan Health, paying tribute to Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela. As always, fans can expect a great selection of discounted food specials for Feast Fridays, presented by Isabella Bank. The Loons also celebrate the contributions of Hispanic and Latino players to the game of baseball with Latino Loons Night!

On Saturday, fans can enjoy a postgame Fireworks Loontacular, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. Lake County and Great Lakes conclude the series on Sunday, with kids eating free and can run the bases postgame every Sunday at Dow Diamond with a 1:05 P.M. series finale, presented by Serra Toyota of Saginaw. A full look at the 2021 Promotional Schedule can be found at Loons.com.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team's home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

Check out the Great Lakes Loons Statistics



Midwest League Stories from June 23, 2021


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.

OurSports Central