MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Lugs feel grand in snapping losing streak

August 19, 2011 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


BOWLING GREEN, Kent. - Casey Lawrence tossed seven solid innings and Marcus Knecht belted a grand slam, helping the Lansing Lugnuts (29-24; 67-53) end a five-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory over the Bowling Green Hot Rods (28-25; 68-55) on Friday at Bowling Green Ballpark.

The reeling Lugnuts righted themselves and avoided a series sweep thanks to their first grand slam of the season, occurring in the fifth inning of the team's 120th game: Knecht crushed a no-doubt shot to left field on a 3-2 pitch from Jimmy Patterson, supplying the winning margin.

Lawrence (Win, 11-8) took over from there, allowing only a trio of singles and solo home runs to Derek Dietrich and Kevin Kiermaier while striking out four.

Relievers Dayton Marze and Danny Barnes pitched the final two innings in scoreless, hitless fashion.

Bowling Green starter Wilking Rodriguez (Loss, 0-1) gave up four runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings, allowing the Lugs' first run on a wild pitch in the third.

Oliver Dominguez closed out the scoring for Lansing with an RBI single in the eighth off of reliever Omar Bencomo.

In the winning cause, Lugnuts shortstop Garis Pena went 4-for-4 with a quartet of singles and one run scored.

The Lugnuts return to Cooley Law School Stadium on Lugnut Charities night on Saturday, opening up a seven-game homestand.

The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. for the opener of a four-game set against Dayton, featuring a starting matchup of Dragons right-hander Kyle Lotzkar (2-1, 4.34) against Lugs right-hander Marcus Walden (5-4, 3.19) and LAFCU fireworks following the game.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.




Midwest League Stories from August 19, 2011


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