Soderstrom Thrills 10,055 with Walk-Off HR
July 4, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING, Mich. - In front of the second largest crowd below Triple-A in the Minor Leagues this season, Tyler Soderstrom belted a game-winning three-run homer to center field to launch the Lansing Lugnuts (4-6, 29-47) past the Great Lakes Loons (7-3, 47-29), 7-4, on an Independence Day Monday Night at Jackson® Field™.
Among all teams in Single-A, High-A and Double-A, only the Fresno Grizzlies have drawn a larger crowd than the 10,055 who packed into the Lugnuts' home park and were treated to fireworks they'll never forget.
Lansing starter Mac Lardner struck out eight batters in six commanding shutout innings as the Lugnuts brought a 2-0 lead to the seventh, only to see the Loons tie the score on an Alex De Jesus two-run double off Brock Whittlesey.
In the bottom of the eighth, following the heated ejection of Lugnuts manager Phil Pohl arguing a batter's interference call, Kevin Richards broke the tie with a two-out, two-run double off Loons reliever Braydon Fisher.
But with two outs in the top of the ninth, Loons designated hitter Eddys Leonard lifted a two-run game-tying homer to left-center off Trayson Kubo, tying the game at 4-4.
In the bottom of the ninth, Drew Swift led off against Fisher with an infield single, his fifth hit of the game. The Loons turned to left-hander Jeff Belge, whom Gabriel Maciel greeted with a single to right, sending Swift sprinting to third. That brought up Soderstrom, who sent a 2-2 pitch soaring over the 20-foot center field wall to win the game.
It was Soderstrom's second walk-off home run of the year, joining a game-winning grand slam against Dayton on May 12, and the Lugnuts' fifth walk-off win of the year.
The Nuts and Loons take a day off on Tuesday before resuming their six-game series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. with a Dog Days of Summer. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
Midwest League Stories from July 4, 2022
- 12-Run Third Propels 'Caps, 20-1 - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Ninth-Inning Fireworks Deliver Walk-Off Lansing Win - Great Lakes Loons
- Soderstrom Thrills 10,055 with Walk-Off HR - Lansing Lugnuts
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- Captains Celebrate Fourth of July with Shutout of TinCaps - Lake County Captains
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