Poised for a dramatic win, Lugnuts instead fall in 10th
Published on July 1, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING, Mich. - A Lansing Lugnuts (2-9, 34-46) walk-off single was called back in the bottom of the ninth inning on a late appeal and the Great Lakes Loons (10-2, 36-45) took advantage, winning 5-4 in 10 innings to sweep the three-game series on a wild Monday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning and the game tied at 4-4, Lugs right fielder Chris Hawkins grounded a ball up the middle and into center field for what seemed to be a walk-off single.
As the Lugnuts mobbed Hawkins and celebrated on the infield, Loons' center fielder James Baldwin came on from the outfield to step on second base. Great Lakes manager Razor Shines argued to the umpires that Santiago Nessy, the runner on first base, never stepped on second and that the force play should end the inning and send the game to extras.
After mulling it over, the umpires agreed and sent the teams back out to the field, with the game proceeding into extra innings tied 4-4.
In the top of the 10th, a leadoff walk was issued to Brandon Dixon by Lugnuts reliever Justin Jackson (Loss, 0-2). A wild pitch moved Dixon to second before he tagged and advanced to third on a fly out to center field. Pinch-hitter Leo Rodriguez then singled to right, scoring Dixon and giving the Loons the 5-4 lead.
The end of the game was deflating for the Lugnuts, who mounted a late rally to put themselves in position to win the game.
In the home half of the eighth with Lansing trailing 4-1, Hawkins beat out a double-play ball to get the Lugs to within 4-2, scoring Jason Leblebijian from third. The next batter, Emilio Guerrero, hooked a line drive deep down the left field line, barely clearing the 23-foot wall 305 feet away and keeping it fair for a game-tying two-run home run.
After homering twice in 2011 and 2012 combined, Guerrero now has three home runs this season, all since June 14th.
Lansing starter Taylor Cole tossed 4.1 innings for the Lugs in the no-decision. He allowed three runs on five hits with all three runs earned. The 23-year old struck out four and issued three walks in the start.
On the mound for the Loons, 2013 second round pick Tom Windle took the ball in his second professional start, lasting 2.2 innings, allowing an earned run on three hits with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts.
Despite being on the mound for the scare in the ninth inning, Matt Shelton (Win, 1-0) earned the win in relief. Luis Meza pitched the tenth to record his second straight save, his third in total this season.
The Lugnuts now head East to start a four-game home-and-home series against the Lake County Captains. The first two games will be played in Eastlake, Ohio at Classic Park. Tuesday's first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday with right-hander Ben White (4-4, 3.84) on the mound for Lansing to take on Captains' right-hander Robbie Aviles (1-3, 5.01).
Lansing Lugnuts tickets are available for purchase at lansinglugnuts.com and by calling 517-485-4500, and Lugnuts text alerts are easily accessed by texting LUGNUTS to 313131.
Midwest League Stories from July 1, 2013
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