MWL1 Great Lakes Loons

Roller's Walk-Off Beats Captains

Published on August 5, 2018 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release


MIDLAND, Mich. - Two innings after failing to drive in a run with the bases loaded, Great Lakes Loons right fielder Chris Roller was in the same situation in the bottom of the 10th on Sunday at Dow Diamond.

The result was an RBI single to the wall in left-center field, giving the Loons a 7-6 walk-off victory against the Lake County Captains. Winners of nine of their last 13, the Loons are now just 3 GB of the 2nd half wild card spot.

Just as important in the bottom of the ninth with Great Lakes down by one run, Jacob Amaya singled to right. The Loons (17-26) finally had the momentum as the hit scored Devin Mann and sent the game to extra innings.

The Captains (17-25) got to Loons starter John Rooney in the top of the second inning for two runs on an RBI double from Jonathan Laureano and RBI single from Jesse Berardi. Jose Medina, who scored off Laureano's 11th double, drove in a run of his own in the third inning for a 3-0 edge.

Rooney finished the third inning in his Dow Diamond debut but was unable to go any further. He allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two hitters. He did not allow a walk.

Elvis Perez, against Loons reliever Bryan Warzek, smashed his fourth homer of the season to left center field for a 4-0 lead. Shortly after, the Loons finally put on a run on the board as Drew Avans singled to score McLain. However, Avans was thrown out at second trying to advance on an earlier throw to home plate.

Lake County scored another run in the top of the seventh for a 5-1 lead before Great Lakes started to heat up on offense.

Kirk McCarty was chased from the game after 6.1 innings. He put Miguel Vargas and McLain on the base paths and was replaced by Robert Broom, who immediately gave up four runs, of which one was accredited to McCarty.

The comeback began in the seventh when the Loons added runs on a wild pitch from Broom, RBI-double by Avans and a sacrifice fly by Deacon Liput to cut the deficit to 5-4.

It seemed the best chance for the Loons to tie or take the lead was in the eighth inning. Brock Carpenter, Hunter Feduccia and Josh McLain loaded the bases with two outs, but eventual-hero Roller grounded out to end the inning.

After Amaya's single to tie the game, the Captains scored immediately in the top of the 10th inning. Will Benson scampered around third base and slid into home on a Medina single against Loons pitcher Jasiel Alvino. The right-handed Alvino (W, 2-0) went 2.1 innings, allowing just one run.

Luke Heyer tied the game in the bottom of the frame and Roller sent Loons' fans home with a smile with the walk-off. Captains reliever Maiker Manzanillo (L, 0-1) served up the game-winner to Roller.

The Loons, now taking back-to-back games against the Captains, return to Dow Diamond on Monday at 7:05 p.m. in search of a sweep.

The Great Lakes Loons have been the Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007. Dow Diamond serves as the team's home and also houses the Michigan Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, and ESPN 100.9-FM. For tickets or information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 5, 2018


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