MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Lugnuts Sweep Loons, 6-3, 2-0

Published on April 7, 2017 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


Lugnuts Sweep Loons, 6-3, 2-0
Lugnuts Sweep Loons, 6-3, 2-0
(Lansing Lugnuts)

MIDLAND, Mich. - Top Blue Jays prospects Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette homered in their Midwest League debut, Tayler Saucedo and Geno Encina combined on a shutout, and the Lansing Lugnuts (2-0) opened up 2017 with a doubleheader sweep at the Great Lakes Loons (0-2), 6-3 and 2-0, on Friday at Dow Diamond.

In Game 1, 18-year-old Guerrero, ranked the Jays' No. 1 prospect, and 19-year-old Bichette, the No. 9 prospect, combined to supply five of the Lugnuts' ten hits, four of the team's six runs and four of the six runs batted in.

Guerrero supplied the key blow, victimizing Loons reliever Tony Gonsolin (Loss, 0-1) with a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning. Bichette added a solo home run in the seventh. Both homers were hit to the opposite field.

The dual starring performances backed the pitching of Justin Maese (Win, 1-0), who tossed five innings, allowing three hits, three runs (two earned), four walks and four strikeouts. Dan Lietz pitched the final two innings for his first save.

In the nightcap, the Lugnuts scored a pair of runs in the second inning on a Bradley Jones RBI fielder's choice and a Yeltsin Gudino bases-loaded HBP, sailing to victory behind starter Saucedo and reliever Encina.

Saucedo limited Great Lakes to one hit and one walk in the opening 2 2/3 innings, striking out a pair. Encina (Win, 1-0) handled the final 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out four, extending his scoreless streak to 17 innings dating back to 2016.

Loons starter Lenix Osuna (Loss, 0-1), a first cousin of former Lugnut Roberto Osuna, lasted only 1 1/3 innings, giving up one hit, three walks, and both runs.

The Lugnuts' offense was led in Game 2 by first baseman Christian Williams, whose pair of singles supplied two of the Nuts' three hits. Guerrero drew two walks and scored a run, and Ryan Hissey also coaxed a pair of walks.

The four-game series shifts to Lansing for the weekend. Saturday begins with an Opening Day Block Party open to the public starting at 3 p.m., featuring the reveal of the new home, road and batting-practice uniforms, Meet the Team, autographs and a live concert from Global Village. The first 1,000 fans in attendance through the gates will receive a Trapper Hat courtesy of Auto-Owners Insurance. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m., with Patrick Murphy on the mound for the Lugnuts. LAFCU Fireworks follow the game. To purchase tickets, call (517) 485-4500 or visit lansinglugnuts.com.

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Lugnuts Sweep Loons, 6-3, 2-0
Lugnuts Sweep Loons, 6-3, 2-0
   



Midwest League Stories from April 7, 2017


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