MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Late Lugnuts Rally Falls Short

Published on August 18, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - A ninth inning rally by the Lansing Lugnuts fell just short, as the West Michigan Whitecaps were able to hold on for a 5-4 win in the series opener at Fifh Third Ballpark. The Whitecaps have taken five straight from Lansing.

West Michigan took an early lead, scoring three runs in the first innning. Justin Justice and Will Rhymes led the game off with singles before Cameron Maybin lifted a triple into the right-center field gap to plate both runners and give the Whitecaps a 2-0 lead. Maybin would score later on a Mike Hernandez sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.

The Whitecaps added another run in the second inning. Michael Hollimon tripled to center field and scored when Mark Haske ripped a single through a drawn in infield to extend the lead to 4-0.

Lansing cut the lead in half in the fifth inning by sending eight batters to the plate. After the first three batters loaded the bases, Jacob Butler fouled out deep into left field. The sacrifice fly made it 4-1. Brian Pettway walked to reload the bases for the Lugnuts. David Hicks grounded out to first to plate Zack Kalter and made the score 4-2.

The Whitecaps made it a three run lead again when Mike Hernandez smacked a solo homer to left field to make it 5-2.

The Lugnuts rallied in the ninth in a late comeback attempt. Sean Shoffit and Zack Kalter each singled to lead the frame off and moved up a bag on a wild pitch to put runners at second and third. Luke Hetherington then ripped a single to center field to make it a one run game at 5-4, but the Lugnuts could not get any closer.

Sean Stidfole (6-6) took the loss for the Lugnuts, throwing six innings and allowing all five Whitecap runs. He did fan nine batters in the start.

Sendy Vazquez (11-6) got the win for the Whitecaps, throwing five innings and giving up two runs on seven hits.

Ricky Steik got his second save of the season for West Michigan.

Lansing (63-59, 23-32) and West Michigan (79-43, 38-17) will play the second game of the series on Saturday evening, Hector Delgadillo (1-0, 8.22) will get the call for the Lugnuts, while Eric Averill (8-6, 3.65) will hurl for the Whitecaps. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

Check out the Lansing Lugnuts Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from August 18, 2006


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