
Lugnuts come back, can't catch Whitecaps, 7-5
August 18, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - An big early lead for the West Michigan Whitecaps (34-21, 76-50) was enough to hold off a late rally, as the Lansing Lugnuts (24-32, 56-69) were dispatched, 7-5, on Monday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Lugnuts dropped the opener of the three-game series, their third straight loss on the road trip.
The Whitecaps moved ahead in the first with a two-run double by former Michigan State Spartan Jeff Holm in the first inning against Lansing starting pitcher Brent Powers (Loss, 4-5), and added another run on an RBI groundout by center fielder Ross Kivett.
The Lugnuts responded in the second after a pair of walks by West Michigan starting pitcher Jonathon Crawford (Win, 7-3) led to a run scoring on a double play ground out by second baseman David Harris.
Powers recovered to retire nine consecutive Whitecaps, but three straight single to open the bottom of the fifth led to a four-run frame for West Michigan and a 7-1 deficit.
Right fielder Derrick Loveless brought across a pair of runs in the eighth with a double against reliever Artie Lewicki (Save, 2) and eventually came in to score on a throwing error by first baseman Dominic Ficociello to bring the Lugnuts within 7-4.
With one out in the ninth, Harris crushed his sixth home run of the season off of the scoreboard in left field to bring the Lugnuts within two.
Lansing relievers Joe Lovecchio and Scott Silverstein each pitched a scoreless inning.
The Lugnuts and Whitecaps continue the three-game set on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Right-hander Brad Allen (4-5, 3.55) will be on the mound for Lansing, with righty Matt Davenport (5-4, 2.37) pitching for West Michigan.
The Lugnuts return to Cooley Law School Stadium on a Labatt Thirsty Thursday, August 21st, with $2 beers, $2 sodas, craft beer specials and a postgame concert featuring Starfarm. Gametime against the South Bend Silver Hawks is 7:05 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase via the stadium box office, telephone at 517-485-4500 and online at lansinglugnuts.com . To sign up for Lugnuts Alerts, text LUGNUTS to 80373.
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