Leblebijian's homer tightens playoff race
August 27, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
DAYTON, Ohio - Jason Leblebijian hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning to push the Lansing Lugnuts (28-37, 60-74) to a dramatic 3-2 win over the Dayton Dragons (30-35, 66-67) on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.
The solo home run by Leblebijian came against Dayton reliever Zach Weiss (Blown Save, 4)(Loss, 2-4), capping a come-from-behind victory and bringing the Lugnuts within two games of a playoff spot with five days remaining in the regular season.
Lansing has plenty of competition for the final Eastern Division playoff berth; the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Great Lakes Loons are a half-game behind playoff-leading Dayton, with the Fort Wayne TinCaps sitting one game back.
Dayton had taken a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning with back-to-back solo home runs by Alex Blandino and Robert Ramirez
After allowing the two home runs, Lansing starter Starlyn Suriel posted five straight scoreless innings without allowing another hit, finishing with two walks and three strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Lansing center fielder D.J. Davis split the deficit in half in the second with an RBI single.
The Lugs tied the game in the seventh inning after a dropped fly ball by Dayton right fielder Jonathan Reynoso allowed David Harris to reach, and Dickie Joe Thon brought him in to score with a sacrifice fly.
The Dragons threatened to score in the bottom of the eighth, but Lansing reliever Alonzo Gonzalez (Win, 2-1) stranded a pair of base runners with back-to-back strikeouts of Blandino and Ramirez.
Lansing closer Brady Dragmire (Save, 5) worked a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout.
The Lugnuts and Dragons play the second game of the three-game series at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night at Fifth Third Field. Lansing sends lefty Brent Powers (4-6, 5.53) to the mound, with left-hander Amir Garrett (7-7, 3.58) pitching for Dayton.
Three games remain in the Lugnuts' regular season home schedule! Tickets are available for purchase via the stadium box office, telephone at 517-485-4500 and online at lansinglugnuts.com . To sign up for Lugnuts Alerts, text LUGNUTS to 80373.
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