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MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Loons Lose Series Opener to TinCaps

July 2, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, Mich. - In the series opener against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Dow Diamond, the Great Lakes Loons fell by seven runs, 11-3. The Loons (1-11) broke the longest nine-inning game record in franchise history with a time of game of 3 hours and 50 minutes. The previous record was set one day ago on Monday against the Lansing Lugnuts with a 3-hour, 48-minute game.

With Max Gamboa on the hill to start for the Loons, the TinCaps managed to strike first in the top of the second. Devin Mann's error allowed Jalen Washington to reach first and Juan Fernandez to score for a 1-0 edge.

In his first game as a starter since May 14, Gamboa went 4.0 innings, allowing one run (unearned) on three hits and one walk. He struck out five hitters before handing the ball off to Darien Nunez (L, 0-1).

The Loons responded in the bottom of the fourth when Mann singled to score Josh McLain.

Nunez then put three runners on in the top of the fifth and let Fort Wayne's Robbie Podorsky tag a pitch for a double, scoring Jalen Washington and Jack Suwinski for a 3-1 lead in favor of the TinCaps.

Fort Wayne starter Aaron Leasher (W, 5-3) went 5.1 innings against Great Lakes. He allowed one run on seven hits and one walk. Leasher struck out five hitters.

The Loons had an opportunity to take a lead with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Brayan Morales flew out, but not deep enough to score Darrell Miller, and Brandon Montgomery struck out looking to end the inning.

Then, the TinCaps made their opponent pay by scoring five in the top of the seventh. Loons reliever Yeison Cespedes got himself into a jam, so Connor Strain was brought in to get out of it. After Cespedes allowed four runs and was pulled, Strain loaded the bases for Washington with two outs.

A wild pitch from Strain brought in a run and then he walked Washington to re-load the bases for Suwinski, who was finally retired on a fly out.

In the eighth inning, Eric Peterson moved from third base to pitcher for the Loons. He made one out earlier in the season, which was his first professional appearance on the mound. Against the TinCaps, he gave up three runs in 1.0 inning.

Morales doubled in the bottom of the eighth for the 14th time this season to score Miller, but the Loons still trailed by nine runs.

Great Lakes first baseman Brock Carpenter moved to pitcher for the ninth inning. Fort Wayne's Evan Miller tossed the bottom of the frame, allowed a run on a sacrifice fly from Luke Heyer and still managed to complete an 11-3 triumph over the Loons.

Brock Carpenter and Miller were the best overall performers for the Loons, besides Gamboa's stellar start. The two finished the game 4-for-6 at the plate. Gamboa seems to finally be back under control after giving up 17 runs in four-straight starts from May 1 to May 17.

The Loons return to Dow Diamond on Tuesday for a battle against the TinCaps. Following the game, which is Military Appreciation Night, there will be Fireworks Loontaculars.

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.

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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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