MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Loons Win Pitchers' Duel, 2-1

Published on June 6, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


Javy Guerra pulled off a rare feat in the ninth inning Saturday night in the Loons' 2-1 victory over the Dayton Dragons. The Loons' all-star closer struck out four batters in the frame to preserve the pitchers' duel win. The game was played before a crowd of 4,203 on a Dow Corning fireworks night.

With the Loons up 2-1, Guerra struck out the leadoff hitter Cody Puckett on a pitch in the dirt, but the ball bounced sharply off catcher Tony Delmonico for a wild pitch. Guerra then responded to strikeout Stephen Chapman, Carlos Mendez and Byron Wiley to complete the rare four-strikeout inning and complete the win.

Neither starting pitcher factored into the decision, but each starter was effective. Loons' starter Bobby Blevins recorded his third quality start in his last four outings, allowing just four hits and one run in six innings. Lance Janke battled Blevins to a 1-1 tie, surrendering six hits over seven innings.

In the top of the fourth, the Dragons scored their lone run of the game on an RBI single by Carlos Mendez. Blevins then stranded the bases loaded to avoid further damage. The Loons tied the score in the bottom half on a solo home run by Nick Buss against Janke. The shot followed a brilliant double play started by Mendez at third base, which prevented any further runs from scoring in the inning.

In the eighth inning, Aguido Gonzalez (0-3) relieved Janke. He surrendered a one-out double to Anthony Hatch. One batter later, Kyle Russell blooped a single into center to score Hatch with the go-ahead run. With two scoreless relief innings, Luis Garcia (3-0) recorded the win.

The Loons and Dragons continue their four-game series Sunday afternoon in a Family Fun in the SUNday at Dow Diamond. Game time is 3:05pm and tickets are available at Loons.com.

At noon Sunday, the Loons will hold their third and final Youth Clinic of the season, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. Loons players will serve as instructors on baseball fundamentals in hitting, pitching, base running, infielding and outfielding. Following the clinic, youngsters can meet their favorite Loons' players and get autographs. All clinic participants get a free souvenir baseball, compliments of Farm Bureau. Admission to the clinic is free with ticket to Sunday afternoon's game, which begins at 3:05pm. Following the game, kids can stay and run the bases, presented by Farm Bureau. Also on Sunday, D-Street Entertainment Foundation will be collecting used musical instruments in their second-annual Bandwagon Day at Dow Diamond. Anyone donating an instrument to their non-profit foundation will receive a voucher for a free lawn ticket to an upcoming Loons game.

The Great Lakes Loons are the third-year Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

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Midwest League Stories from June 6, 2009


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