Loons Drilled by Lugnuts

Jeff Hunt’s home run prevents shutout

MIDLAND, MI – The Great Lakes Loons (24-34, 58-70) managed only one run against the visiting Lansing Lugnuts, who boast the league’s best record of 78-48 and defeated the home team 7-1 before 4,527 fans at Dow Diamond.

Scoring the only run for the Loons was third baseman Jeff Hunt, who launched his fifth home run of the season to the right field scoreboard. Hunt hit off of Lansing’s Shawn Griffith in the seventh inning, after the Lugnuts had amassed their seven runs.

“Facing a team like Lansing, you normally aren’t going to score many runs,” Loons manager John Shoemaker said after the game. “We made some mistakes in the ball game early and gave them an opportunity to get the lead on us and made it really tough tonight.”

Lansing took the initial lead in the first inning when right fielder Nick Akins dropped a routine fly ball to allow in Nick Baligod with two outs. The Lugnuts added two more in the second on Chris Schaeffer’s double to left field.

Loons pitcher Arismendy Ozoria started for the Loons, but left the game after only two innings due to discomfort in his back. In for relief came Joel Lima who allowed Lansing their final four runs, all in the fifth.

Three singles loaded the bases for Lansing with no outs. A sacrifice fly and two doubles later gave the Lugnuts a 7-0 advantage. Loons reliever Scott Griggs entered the game in the sixth and delivered two scoreless innings for the Loons. Craig Stem followed suit with a scoreless eighth and ninth.

Lansing’s Justin Nicolino picked up his ninth win of the season, throwing five strikeouts in five scoreless frames. Newly added Jason Leblebijian made his Midwest League debut a good one for Lansing, going 3 for 5 with two runs and one RBI.

The Great Lakes Loons will play game two against the Lugnuts Thursday night at Dow Diamond, sending RHP Raydel Sanchez (3-8, 4.39) to the hill against RHP Anthony DeSclafani (10-3, 2.96). Fans attending the game can enjoy hot dogs, 16 oz. Coke products and ice cream sandwiches for one dollar apiece courtesy of Chemical Bank’s $1 Family Feast Night. Also, be sure to bring your pocket protectors for Nerd Night at Dow Diamond, as classic nerd Myron Noodleman makes a special appearance.