MWL1 Lansing Lugnuts

Maese Masterful in Lugnuts' 4-1 Win

Published on July 28, 2016 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release


BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - In a potential playoff preview, Justin Maese set the tone with six scoreless innings and the Lansing Lugnuts (18-15, 54-49) handed the Bowling Green Hot Rods (19-13, 56-45) a 3-1 loss on Thursday night at Bowling Green Ballpark.

The Lugnuts victory ended Bowling Green's franchise high nine-game home winning streak and ten-game home run streak.

The Hot Rods currently hold the top playoff spot in the Eastern Division, 1.5 games above the Lugnuts, who sit in the wild card slot, but their explosive offense was stymied by a trio of Lansing pitchers.

19-year-old Maese (Win, 1-0), ranked the Blue Jays' #9 prospect by MLB Pipeline, struck out six batters while scattering three hits and a walk.

The Lugnuts scratched out a slim lead to back his efforts, scoring an unearned run in the fourth inning on a two-out dropped fly by first baseman Matt Eureste, and adding a second tally in the fifth on a Ryan Hissey sacrifice fly.

Bowling Green threatened in the eighth against reliever Kirby Snead, scoring an unearned run on a Kevin Padlo RBI single and putting runners at second and third with two outs. Snead was unbowed, retiring Brett Sullivan on a routine fly to left.

Ryan Metzler rebuilt the lead to two runs in the ninth, drawing a two-out walk, stealing second, moving to third on a wild pitch and scoring on a passed ball.

Andrew Case took it from there, pitching around a two-out walk to record his third save in as many chances.

In the win, Lugnuts designated hitter Max Pentecost went 2-for-3 with a single, double, walk, stolen base and run scored. Pentecost, rated the Blue Jays' #11 prospect, has reached base six times in the series and in 52 of 56 games played with the Lugs.

Lansing sends right-hander Jordan Romano (2-1, 1.42) to the mound for the Friday series finale, a rubber match in the three-game series, slated for 7:35 p.m. Bowling Green counters with ace lefty Genesis Cabrera (7-4, 3.80).

The next home game at Cooley Law School Stadium is a Winning Wednesday on August 3rd, opening a seven-game homestand. For more information or to purchase your tickets, call 517-485-4500 or visit lansinglugnuts.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 28, 2016


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