MWL Lansing Lugnuts

Madden, Millas Blast Dragons, 10-3

Published on July 2, 2021 under Midwest League (MWL)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


LANSING, MI - In the first of three consecutive LAFCU Fireworks nights, the Lansing Lugnuts (24-28) treated a crowd of 5,855 to a six-run first inning en route to a 10-3 smashing of the division-leading Dayton Dragons (29-22) on Friday night at Jackson® Field™.

Lester Madden, Jr., and Drew Millas each homered and combined for seven runs batted in for the Lugnuts, supporting a sterling High-A Central debut for Jack Cushing in a game that was not in doubt from the opening inning.

Cushing, promoted from Low-A Stockton on Tuesday, opened with a dominant 1-2-3 first, striking out two Dragons. Max Schuemann then greeted Dayton starter Lyon Richardson with a double, Millas followed with his third home run of the year, a drive down the left-field line for an immediate 2-0 lead, and the Lugnuts were on their way.

The half-inning only got worse from there for Richardson, the Reds' second-round selection in 2018. He walked Michael Guldberg, who stole second, retired William Simoneit on a popout, walked Jordan Díaz, hit Cobie Vance to load the bases, struck out Elvis Peralta, Jr., and gave up a bases-clearing three-run double to Madden, Jr., to put the Nuts up 5-0. After Madden, Jr., came in on a throwing error by shortstop Miguel Hernández, Richardson's night was done nine batters and two outs into the game.

Madden, Jr., added a solo roundtripper in the third inning against Andy Fisher, his first home run since August 11, 2019; Díaz drilled an RBI double and Vance scored him with a triple in the seventh against Jake Gilbert; and Millas tacked on a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning off Francis Peguero to close the Lugnuts' scoring.

It was more than enough support for Cushing, who gave up only one base runner - a Hernández single - in the first five innings. Dayton pieced together its first run on two hits and a walk in the sixth, but the former Georgetown Hoyas ace struck out Alex McGarry to end the threat, notching his sixth strikeout.

Brandon Withers tossed the seventh and eighth innings, allowing two runs on four hits, and Sam Romero pitched around two walks in a scoreless ninth, with two strikeouts.

The Lugnuts and Dragons have split the first four games of their six-game series, alternating victories each day, setting up an exciting weekend of baseball with LAFCU Fireworks following the teams' 7:05 p.m. Saturday contest and 6:35 p.m. Sunday finale on Independence Day. Lansing sends right-hander Reid Birlingmair (5.80 ERA) next, opposed by Dayton right-hander Eduardo Salazar (3.70 ERA). To purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.

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Midwest League Stories from July 2, 2021


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