MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Lugnuts rally in 9th and extra innings to pull out win

Published on May 25, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


LANSING – Mark Prior's second and final appearance as a Lugnut was another solid performance in his road to recovery, and another comeback win for the Lugnuts as Lansing pushed four runs across in the ninth inning before knocking in the game winner in the eleventh for the 7-6 victory over West Michigan Tuesday night at Olds Park.

Prior looked sharp once again but got no decision on a larger pitch count than his first outing. He allowed only two hits in 4.1 innings and left with a runner on that would score to give him an earned run. Prior did strike out eight of the 15 batters he faced and retired the side in the third inning.

The game was low scoring until both starters left the game. West Michigan's starter Brian Rogers went 7.0 innings without a decision as well, allowing one earned run on six hits. The Whitecaps were leading 3-1 before Rogers exited and the Lugnuts bats awoke. Lansing cut the lead to one in the eighth on Kevin Collins' 13th homerun of the season, a solo shot to right.

In the ninth, the Whitecaps put three runs across for a 6-2 lead. Danilo Sanchez singled and scored on Vince Blue's RBI double. Eric Rodland walked and both he and Blue came in on Juan Francia's double. Trailing by four runs, Lansing would not go quietly as Robinson Chirinos led off with a single. Alberto Garcia ripped a triple to score Chirinos and Carlos Mejia walked to put runners on the corners. Carlos Rojas hit an RBI single to plate Garcia and cut the lead in half. Brian Dopirak walked to load the bases before Collins came calling again. Collins smoked a double down the right field line to bring in Mejia and Rojas to tie the game 6-6 and send it to extra innings.

In the eleventh the Lugnuts strung together four consecutive singles by Rojas, pinch hitter Drew Larsen, Collins, and Ryan Fitzgerald, who knocked in the game winner. Collins finished 4-for-6 on the night with 3 RBI. Clay Rapada (3-2) picked up the win in 2.0 perfect innings of relief while striking out four. Anthony Tomey (0-1) got the loss giving up the four hits and winning run in only one inning pitched.

The Lugnuts and Whitecaps play the third game of the series Wednesday morning for the second Grand Slam School Day at Olds Park. Cubs' pitcher Ryan Dempster will make his first start for Lansing and his first start since having Tommy John surgery in August 2003. Game time is 10:35 a.m.

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Midwest League Stories from May 25, 2004


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