MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Loons Walk Off Twice with Victories

Published on July 3, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


Thanks to a Dayton Dragons mistake and a Great Lakes Loons base hit, the Loons took both games of Thursday night's double-header in front of a season-high 5,686 fans at Dow Diamond, each by a score of 2-1.

In game one, the Loons scored first in the third inning when Juan Bustabad sent his base runners on first and third and was able to sneak Jovanny Rosario across the plate while Francisco Lizarraga was caught in a rundown to give the Loons a 1-0 lead.

Logan Parker continued to be a thorn in the Loons' side when he tied up game one with a RBI double in the sixth off Loons reliever Matt Sartor.

In the ninth inning, Erik Kanaby walked with one out and the newest Loon, Brandon Taylor was hit by a pitch moving Kanaby to second. Jaime Ortiz followed with what looked to be an inning-ending double play ground ball to second baseman Kevyn Feiner. But Feiner's toss to shortstop Zack Cozart was off the mark and sailed into left field. The throwing error allowed Kanaby to score the game-winning run and end game one.

Bryan Morris started for the Loons in the opener allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings before Matt Sartor came on to pitch 3 2/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win, upping his record to 4-2. Matt Klinker pitched well for the Dragons allowing a lone run, but reliever Zach Stewart was on the hill when the Loons scored in the ninth giving him the tough-luck loss and dropping his record to 1-1.

In game two, the Dragons got a run in the fifth on a redeeming RBI single for Feiner to make it 1-0 Dayton.

The Dragons' pitching staff had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning. Enter Alfredo Silverio, who led off the sixth with a solo home run to left field, his fifth of the season to tie the game at one. The homer snapped 0-for-17 stretch at the plate for the Loons' right-fielder as well as the no-hit bid by the Dragons' pitching staff.

In the seventh and final inning, the Loons put two on base thanks to consecutive walks by a pinch hitter Rosario and Kanaby, with Kanaby's free pass coming intentionally. Lizarraga followed and lined a single in front of Dragons' center fielder Brandon Menchaca to score Rosario and give the Loons a second walk off victory during the evening.

After Thomas Melgarejo's strong 5 1/3 innings on the hill, Daigoro Rondon came on to toss 1 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball to pick up the victory, improving his record to 4-7 on the year. Henry Arias suffered the loss for Dayton in relief, moving his record to 2-4. Dayton starter Jeremy Horst, in his first professional start, did not allow a hit or a run in four innings of work did not record a decision.

The Loons conclude their eight-game homestand and four-game set against the Dayton Dragons Friday afternoon here at Dow Diamond on Independence Day. Game time is 3:05pm. The Loons are holding their Family Picnic Olympics on the field during the ballgame, where families can participate in on-field promotions for a chance to win a various Great Lakes Loons prizes. Tickets are still available by calling 989-837-BALL or by visiting Loons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 3, 2008


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