Butler, Lugs rally for 9-8 victory

*LANSING, Mich. – *In front of a crowd of 7,278 strong on Star Wars Night, the Lansing Lugnuts (28-32) fell behind by deficits of 5-0, 7-4 and 8-6, but found a new hope behind a 16-hit attack, rallying for a 9-8 win over the Peoria Chiefs (30-31) on Friday night at Jackson® Field™.

Right fielder Jonny Butler supplied a two-run single in a four-run fifth inning, an RBI single in a two-run sixth and a game-tying RBI triple in a three-run eighth inning, coming home with what proved to be the game-winning run on a Junior Pérez single.

Butler was one of four Lugnuts to collect three hits, joining shortstop Max Muncy, who doubled twice and scored three runs; catcher CJ Rodriguez, who notched two singles, a double and an RBI; and first baseman Jack Winkler, who went 3-for-4 with three singles, an RBI and a stolen base. Second baseman Drew Swift added a single, a double, a walk, two RBIs and two runs scored for the Lugnuts, who matched a season high for hits in a game.

Each game of the series has been decided by one run, with the first two won by Peoria and the last two won by Lansing.

Lansing starter Jake Garland worked five innings, allowing five runs in the second inning but nothing otherwise. Mac Lardner gave up two unearned runs in two innings, followed by John Beller, who allowed a run on two hits in the eighth.

Closer Tyler Baum made sure there were no late dramatics, tossing a 1-2-3 ninth for his seventh save of the year.

The fifth game of the six-game set is Rush Night, combining a tribute night to the group, Rush, with a bobblehead giveaway of Cooper Rush presented by Shaheen Automotive, honoring the Lansing Catholic/Central Michigan/Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. between Lansing right-hander Jacob Watters and Peoria right-hander Dionys Rodriguez. Tickets are available via lansinglugnuts.com or by calling (517) 485-4500 during office hours.

# # #