MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Painful Walkoff for Lansing

Published on May 20, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


LANSING, MI - Facing a nearly impossible scenario with the bases loaded and none out in the bottom of the 10th inning of a tie ballgame Monday, Loons reliever Sawil Gonzalez seemed to find a way to get out the batter Carlos Ramirez. He worked ahead of Ramirez with a one ball, two strike count with both strikes coming on inside corner fastballs. But on the fourth pitch of the at bat, Gonzalez came too far inside and hit Ramirez with a fastball giving Ramirez and the Lugnuts a painful 4-3 win.

The 10th began with a solid single by Dwight Smith, Jr., followed by a flair into right by Christian Lopes. The Loons intentionally walked Kevin Patterson to face Ramirez.

The Loons came close to winning the game in regulation. Leading 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, lefty reliever Geoff Brown retired Kellen Sweeney on a ground out for the first out. Loons skipper Razor Shines brought in closer Scott Griggs to get the final two outs. Gustavo Pierre and Balbino Fuenmayor greeted Griggs with back-to-back infield choppers that failed to travel a combined 90 feet but both went for singles. Seth Connor followed with runners at the corners with a ground ball to second baseman Jesmuel Valentin, who got the force out at second to Leo Rodriguez, but Rodriguez's throw to first pulled Paul Hoenecke off the bag and allowed the tying run to score.

The Loons had taken the lead in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Elevys Gonzalez singled home Rodriguez to break a 2-2 tie.

Devin Shines had three hits - including two doubles - and a walk. Tyler Ogle hit his sixth homer and went 2-for-5.

Gonzalez (2-2) never recorded an out and took the loss. Loons starter Carlos Frias left with the lead but took a no-decision after seven solid innings, allowing just one run. Arik Sikula (3-0) surrendered a run in two innings to take his third win.

The Loons have an off day Tuesday before starting a four-game series in Bowling Green with a doubleheader Wednesday against the Hot Rods. In Game 1, Angel Sanchez (1-4, 4.23), a right-hander, will matchup against lefty Blake Snell (1-4, 3.16). Loons left-hander Miguel Sulbaran (2-2, 4.66) will go against fellow southpaw Brandon Henderson (2-0, 1.86) in the second contest. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 100.9-FM and ESPN1009.com.

The Loons are a seventh-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.

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Midwest League Stories from May 20, 2013


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