Hurt, Lockhart Combine for Two-Hit Shutout

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Great Lakes Loons have won in many different styles this season. On Thursday night, it was an offensive explosion of 13 runs on 19 hits that propelled the Loons to victory.

On Friday night, it was excellent pitching and just enough offense.

The Loons took the field as los Pepinillos Picantes del Norte and won the debut game of the Copa de la Diversion alternate identity, defeating los Cascabeles de Wisconsin (aka Wisconsin Timber Rattlers) 3-0.

Great Lakes (36-25) got its first two runs in the first inning, scoring in the opening frame for the sixth night in a row. Jorbit Vivas reached base in the Loons’ first at-bat for the third game in a row, this time on a walk. Two outs later, Jose Ramos blasted his sixth homer of the High-A season, and his 12th of the year overall.

The Loons, High-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, would not need any more run support. Kyle Hurt started the game and was superb, not allowing a hit and walking three batters. The right-hander punched out eight batters, a personal season-high. Hurt, the former USC Trojan, now has a 10-inning scoreless streak, and has not allowed a hit in nine straight innings at Dow Diamond.

Wisconsin (34-26) had good work from its starter as well, but Justin Jarvis (L, 5-3) takes a tough luck loss. After the Ramos longball, Jarvis allowed just one more hit, walking three in total and striking out eleven. The Timber Rattlers, High-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, could not muster a run to support a Jarvis quality start.

After Hurt, los Pepinillos turned to lefty Lael Lockhart (W, 2-0), who picked up right where Hurt left off. Lockhart tossed the final five innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just two hits in the game and one walk while collecting six strikeouts.

Los Pepinillos Picantes del Norte got their final run in the eighth inning. Alex De Jesus led off the frame with a single, then scored on an Eddys Leonard single and error by Wisconsin’s right fielder. That made it a 3-0 Loons lead, the score which would be the final.

The Loons now hold a 3-1 lead in the series, and have secured at least a split in the set with two games to play. With a Dayton loss Friday night, the Loons have gained a game in the standings, now trailing the division-leading Dragons by just 2 1/2 games with six games to play. The team leading the division in each half of the season clinches a playoff spot, and the first half ends Thursday. The Loons’ elimination number stands at four: any combination of Loons losses and Dayton wins totaling four eliminates Great Lakes from first-half playoff contention.

The six-game series between Wisconsin and Great Lakes continues Saturday at Dow Diamond, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Coverage on ESPN 100.9-FM kicks off at 6:50 p.m. with the Loons On-Deck Circle, driven by Garber Chevrolet Midland. Right-hander Kendall Williams (1-3, 3.24 ERA) toes the rubber for the Loons, opposing fellow righty James Meeker (4-2, 3.98 ERA). It’s the first Marvel Defenders of the Diamond Night at Dow Diamond as Asgard’s favorite son Thor makes an appearance. Be sure to bid on the Loons’ Thor-themed jerseys in the game-worn uniform auction at MiLBAuctions.com. After the game, the skies light up with another Fireworks Loontacular, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan. Tickets are still available on Loons.com.

The Great Lakes Loons have been a 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.