Lugnuts Best Caps, 6-2, To Pull Within Three Games
Published on September 2, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING, Mich. - Oliver Dominguez reached base four times, scored three runs, and knocked a two-run homer, helping the Lansing Lugnuts (31-35; 67-68) remain mathematically alive for a playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps (34-32; 60-75) on Thursday night on Jackson Field.
The Whitecaps entered the three-game series needing only one win to clinch the Eastern Division's final wild card slot. Instead, the Lugnuts have won the first two games to draw within three games of the Caps with four games left in the season.
West Michigan starter Luis Angel Sanz (4-7) gave up two-run rallies in the first, second, and fourth innings to the Lugnuts, with leadoff hitter Dominguez scoring runs in each frame.
The second baseman's biggest blow was the final one struck by Lansing, a fourth inning roundtripper over the wall in right-center with Karim Turkamani aboard, giving the home team a 6-1 lead. It was Dominguez's third homer of the year for the Nuts.
The Whitecaps threatened often, collecting nine hits, two walks, and a hit batsman, but went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.
Cleanup hitter Wade Gaynor twice came to the plate with the bases loaded and one out but grounded into a double play in the fifth and managed only an RBI groundout in the seventh.
Lugnuts starting pitcher Egan Smith (7-4) struck out five and scattered eight hits while allowing only one run in six innings to earn the win.
Ryan Tepera made his return from the DL in relief for the seventh inning, giving up a run on a base hit and two walks. Steve Turnbull fired the final two innings in perfect fashion, striking out three.
The Lugnuts play their final home game of the 2010 regular season on Friday night, Fan Appreciation Night at Cooley Law School Stadium.
The 7:05 p.m. pitching matchup will see Lansing right-hander Dave Sever (6-9, 4.26) duel with Whitecaps right-hander Patrick Cooper (2-1, 5.40).
Fan Appreciation Night will feature special prizes and giveaways, LAFCU Fireworks, and a special autograph session with the Lugnuts team. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.
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