Lugs' comeback falls one run short, 7-6
May 31, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
DAYTON, OH - The Dayton Dragons (28-26) halted a late rally to defeat the Lansing Lugnuts (26-29), 7-6, in the first of a three-game set on Saturday night at Fifth Third Field.
After falling behind 7-0, the Lugnuts responded with six unanswered runs beginning in the sixth inning when second baseman Jason Leblebijian cranked a solo home run to left, breaking the scoreless night for Dayton starter Nick Travieso (Win, 6-2).
In the seventh, third baseman Mitch Nay doubled in a pair of runs before designated hitter Santiago Nessy brought him in with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 7-4.
Right fielder Derrick Loveless kept the rally alive in the seventh, driving a triple to the right field corner to score D.J. Davis from first, and catcher Jorge Saez brought him across with a sacrifice fly to bring the Lugnuts within one run.
The Lugnuts put the potential tying run on base in the ninth, but Dayton closer Scott Brattvet (Save, 9) got Leblibijian to ground into a force out to end the game.
Lansing starter Chase De Jong (Loss, 0-3) allowed a career-high six runs in 1.2 innings on six hits and two walks.
Reliever Roberto Espinosa slowed the Dayton offensive attack, allowing one run on four hits in 3.1 innings with a strikeout.
Adaric Kelly faced the minimum in his three hitless innings out of the bullpen.
The Lugnuts and Dragons return to Fifth Third Field on Sunday afternoon to play the second game of the series. Right-hander Alberto Tirado (1-1, 5.24) will start on the mound for Lansing, countered by Dayton's Nick Routt (0-0, 6.35).
The Lugs return to Cooley Law School Stadium on a Hump Day Wednesday, June 4th, starring Humphrey the Camel and featuring Happy Hour with half-off drinks from 7-8 p.m. That game opens a six-game homestand against South Bend and Great Lakes stretching through June 9th.
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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