MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Lugnuts Explode Late, Trounce TinCaps, 9-2

Published on June 5, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Chris Emanuele went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer that capped off a stunning eight-run offensive explosion in the eighth and ninth innings, as the Lansing Lugnuts (20-32) routed the Fort Wayne Tincaps (32-22), 9-2, on Friday night at Parkview Field.

Swept in three games at Oldsmobile Park to open the season, the Lugnuts returned the favor to their hosts in taking three of four games in Fort Wayne.

Yohermyn Chavez broke a 1-1 tie with two outs in the eighth inning, grounding a two-run single to left field against All-Star reliever Zach Herr (3-2). Justin McClanahan followed with a two-run homer to left to put the Lugnuts up 5-1, his second straight day with a home run.

After the TinCaps responded with a solo tally in the home half of the eighth, Lansing put the game away in the ninth.

With none out and runners at second and third, Fort Wayne right fielder Daniel Robertson dropped A.J. Jimenez's apparent sacrifice fly, bringing home two more runs for a 7-2 Lugnuts lead. The ensuing batter was Emanuele, who collected his fourth hit of the game by blasting an Alexis Lara offering over the wall in left-center.

That was the third home run of the game for Lansing, which had previously received Brian Van Kirk's team-leading ninth roundtripper of the season, a solo shot in the sixth.

Earlier in the day, Van Kirk and starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez were each named to the 2009 Midwest League Eastern Division All-Star Team.

Alvarez took a no-decision in the game, allowing one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings.

He was picked up by the relief trio of Ryan Koch, Boomer Potts, and Yorman Mayora, who combined to allow five hits and one run over 4 2/3 innings of work. Potts (3-0) earned the victory, working 1 1/3 innings from the seventh to the eighth to reap the benefits of his teammates' offensive barrage.

The Lugnuts now return home to begin an eight-day, nine-game homestand against West Michigan and Great Lakes, opening on Saturday night at Oldsmobile Park with a 7:05 p.m. affair vs. the Whitecaps. LAFCU Fireworks follow the game's conclusion. Left-hander John Anderson (1-3, 4.94) is slated to start for Lansing, opposed by West Michigan southpaw Mauricio Robles (4-3, 3.91).

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Midwest League Stories from June 5, 2009


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