Myers gem, Rodriguez HR halts skid

DAVENPORT, IA – Mitch Myers allowed one run in six innings, CJ Rodriguez knocked a tie-breaking two-run homer, and the Lansing Lugnuts (11-16, 42-50) ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Quad Cities River Bandits (11-16, 43-50), 4-2, on Thursday night at Modern Woodmen Park.

The effort was Myers’ third quality start of the season; his first also came against Quad Cities on April 27, allowing two runs in six innings in a 6-5 10-inning win.

There was no need for extra innings on this day, thanks to designated hitter Rodriguez taking top Kansas City Royals pitching prospect Ben Kudrna deep to left field in the top of the fifth inning with Euribiel Ángeles aboard, breaking a 1-1 tie.

Daniel Susac added insurance with an RBI single in the seventh inning, increasing the lead to 4-1.

Meanwhile, the River Bandits managed only Herard González’s RBI fielder’s choice in the second inning against Myers, who allowed four hits, one HBP and zero walks while striking out six batters.

Stevie Emanuels worked around a one-out walk in a scoreless seventh before departing with two runners on and two outs in the eighth. Pedro Santos walked Gavin Cross to load the bases but struck out Juan Carlos Negret to thwart the threat.

A two-out Ángeles throwing error brought in González from third to pull the Bandits within two in the bottom of the ninth, prompting the Lugnuts to turn to Kumar Nambiar. The southpaw retired Javier Vaz on a groundout to first to secure the win.

The Lugnuts collected 11 hits in the win, including two apiece from Junior Pérez (who also drew two walks), Susac, Ángeles and Danny Bautista, Jr.

Right-hander Jacob Watters (5.59 ERA) gets the ball on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 6:30 p.m. local, taking on Quad Cities right-hander Steven Zobac (3.18).

The Lugnuts’ next home game is on August 8, beginning a two-week homestand against Fort Wayne and Great Lakes. Tickets are available via lansinglugnuts.com or by calling (517) 485-4500 during office hours.

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