| Monday, May 7, 2012 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler ( 517) 485-4500, extension 233 |
Whitecaps break open pitcher's duel in 8th to top Lugnuts
LANSING, Mich. – Curt Casali’s two-run single capped a four-run eighth inning rally, lifting the West Michigan Whitecaps (15-16) over the Lansing Lugnuts (21-9), 5-1, in the third game of a four-game series on Monday evening at Cooley Law School Stadium.
In that eighth inning the Whitecaps sent nine hitters to the plate to break a 1-1 tie thanks to three hits, one walk and two errors behind Tyler Ybarra (Loss, 0-2).
Until the fateful eighth, it was a pitcher’s duel on Jackson Field. Wilson Palacios (Win, 2-2) dominated the Lugnuts over seven innings in his best start of the year. Chris Hawkins, who went 2-for-4, drove in the only run, which was unearned, against Palacios with a single to score Andy Burns, who stayed hot going 2-for-4 and adding a double. Palacios struck out five and did not allow a walk but the Lugnuts had their chances against the righty who surrendered seven hits.
Lansing went just 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, stranding runners at second or third in the second, fourth, sixth and seventh innings.
Noah Syndergaard tossed three frames and allowed just two hits, to the first two hitters of the game. The only run he gave up scored on an RBI groundout by the Whitecaps' Eugenio Suarez.
Anthony DeSclafani was very sharp in his four innings of relief. The Whitecaps tallied just three hits against DeSclafani, who walked only one and struck out five, including three in a row to end the sixth and start the seventh inning.
Former Michigan State Spartan Jeff Holm went 2-for-4 with a double and Brandon Loy scored a run, stole his third base of the series and reached three times with a walk and two singles.
The finale of the four-game series against the Whitecaps is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. on Tuesday morning on Jackson Field, with Lugnuts lefty David Rollins (2-0, 1.67), starting opposite the Whitecaps’ Josue Carreño (0-2, 3.30). Lansing eyes the series victory while the Whitecaps look to split the four game series on a Grand Slam School Day and a Dollar Deal Day.Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.
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