Whitecaps slip past Lugnuts, 5-4
August 24, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING, Mich. - Jason Roenicke's run-scoring throwing error broke an eighth inning tie, and the visiting West Michigan Whitecaps (33-24; 76-51) held off the Lansing Lugnuts (22-34; 48-77) late, taking a 5-4 victory in the opener of a four-game series on Monday night at Oldsmobile Park.
Trailing 3-0 entering the seventh inning, Lansing had deadlocked the score on Mike McDade's two-run homer and A.J. Jimenez's RBI double.
In the top of the eighth inning, however, the Whitecaps quickly put a pair of runners on base against Roenicke (1-5). Mike Gosse's attempt at a sacrifice bunt bounced back to the mound, and the Lugnuts reliever threw toward third base to force lead runner Ben Guez. The throw was too low, eluding Balbino Fuenmayor and scoring Guez for a 4-3 West Michigan lead. Luis Palacios added an RBI single three batters later, putting the Whitecaps on top by two.
In the bottom of the ninth, Fuenmayor's two-out homer off of Tyler Stohr trimmed the deficit to 5-4. Pinch-hitter Justin McClanahan reached base due to catcher's interference, putting the tying run aboard. Stohr bore down, striking out Jimenez to end the game.
Brandon Hamilton (5-4) picked up the win in relief of Rob Waite, who twirled six shutout innings in a spot-start.
Lansing starter Chase Lirette battled through six innings, scattering nine hits and three runs while striking out three.
The second game of the four-game series will be played on a Dollar Dog Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Oldsmobile Park, with Lansing right-hander Chad Beck (6-7, 5.80) opposing West Michigan northpaw Luke Putkonen (7-8, 3.40).
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