Lugnuts "walk"-off with 1-0 win
Published on August 19, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING - Tight late inning games have not been kind to the Fort Wayne Wizards at Oldsmobile Park this season. Tuesday night was no exception. The Wizards had battled the Lansing Lugnuts to a scoreless tie before finally cracking, as a bases loaded walk won the game for Lansing 1-0 in 10 frames.
The win marks the fourth time this year that Lansing has won in its last at-bat against Fort Wayne at home.
The two teams battled to a scoreless stalemate through 9 1/2 innings. But Lansing's Kevin Ahrens coaxed a lead-off walk to start the last the of the 10th. Manny Rodriguez then attempted to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but pitcher Aaron Breit spun and threw to second base. However his throw went sailing into center field, putting runners at the corners.
Raul Barron was later intentionally walked to load the bases for Moises Sierra, who bounced into a fielder's choice for the inning's second out. But Justin Jackson worked a walk on a 3-2 pitch to push across the winning run.
The pitchers dominated all night for each side.
Marc Rzepczynski tossed six innings for the Lugnuts in his start and allowed just three hits while striking out a season-high nine batters.
Joe Wice threw the next three frames for Lansing, allowing just one hit, and Frank Gailey (3-0) hurled the final frame while picking up the win.
The three hurlers combined for Lansing's 12th shutout of the year.
Cory Kluber made a terrific start for Fort Wayne. He gave up just one hit over eight innings and struck out 11 batters. No Lugnut made it past first base against him all night.
Breit (2-6) took the loss after giving up the winning run in the 10th.
Lansing won the game despite tying a season-low for hits with two. The knocks were both singles by Barron and Jonathan Baksh.
The win also guarantees the Lugnuts a winning season. It marks the 11th time that the Lugnuts have been above .500 in 13 years.
Lansing (71-56, 32-25) and Fort Wayne (64-63, 27-30) will continue the eight-game stretch against each other Wednesday night. Brian Letko (4-3, 3.33) is expected to start for the Lugnuts. He will oppose Wynn Pelzer (9-5, 3.00). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
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