Lizarraga Slams into Record Books
Published on August 22, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release
Francisco Lizarraga hit the first grand slam in Loons history and his team topped the West Michigan Whitecaps 9-2 Wednesday night at Dow Diamond. Lizarraga also added a two-run homer and drove in six runs, the most RBIs recorded by a Loons player in franchise history. The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 5,404, the 25th sellout at Dow Diamond in 2007.
Lizarraga's two-run shot came in his first at-bat, in the second inning, off starter Jonah Nickerson (11-7). Nickerson faced Lizarraga again in the fourth inning, this time with the bases loaded, setting the stage for Lizarraga's heroics. His slam made the score 6-0, at which point Lizarraga had driven home all six Loons runs.
The Loons (53-73 overall, 18-37 second half) had plenty of offensive heroes in the ballgame. Adolfo Gonzalez had three hits (one a double), two runs and an RBI to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Brian Mathews added three hits. Matt Berezay had a double amongst his two hits to move into a tie for second in the Midwest League's doubles category. Trayvon Robinson had a double and a triple. Eduardo Perez chipped in two hits.
On the mound for the Loons, James Adkins started and went three innings of one-hit baseball. Tim Sexton (2-0) followed out of the bullpen to pitch four frames, allowing a run to pick up the win. Jonathan Figueroa fired a scoreless eighth. Blake Brannon pitched the ninth.
The Loons extend their 2007 dominance over the Whitecaps, improving to 8-4 over their in-state rivals. The Whitecaps are one of three teams the Loons have a winning record against (Cedar Rapids and South Bend, the others). The Loons are the only team West Michigan has a losing mark against this year.
The rivalry continues Thursday evening from Dow Diamond, beginning at 7:05pm ET. Left-hander Paul Coleman will oppose lefty Duane Below. Lawn tickets for the game are available by calling 989-837-BALL or by visiting Loons.com.
Midwest League Stories from August 22, 2007
- SilverHawks Sink Lugnuts, 6-3 - Lansing Lugnuts
- Peoria Shuts Down Wisconsin - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Chiefs Back in Wild Card Lead with Shutout Win - Peoria Chiefs
- Lizarraga Slams into Record Books - Great Lakes Loons
- Gonzalez Claims Record with 18th Career Win - Dayton Dragons
- Cougars Rained Out in Beloit - Kane County Cougars
- Kernels, Bees Rained Out - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Lizarraga Drives in Six, Loons Roll Past Whitecaps - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Swing, Lumberkings Rained Out - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Snappers Game Postponed Due to Rain - Beloit Sky Carp
- Chiefs Add LHP Hempy from Boise - Peoria Chiefs
- German Released - Great Lakes Loons
- Eighth-Rounder Added To Swing Roster - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Wood Named Pitcher of the Week - Burlington Bees
- LumberKings fell Swing twice - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Lansing and South Bend Split Double Dip - Lansing Lugnuts
- Big Innings Push Snappers Past Cougars - Beloit Sky Carp
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.
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