Locos prevail over Las Calaveras, 5-3

COMSTOCK PARK, MI – In a Copa de la Diversión matchup, the Lansing Locos (34-37) jumped ahead early and rode the pitching of Colin Peluse past Las Calaveras de West Michigan (32-38), 5-3, on Saturday night at LMCU Ballpark.

Lansing has won three of the first five games in the six-game series, setting up the potential for a series victory in the finale.

The Locos piled up 13 hits in the game, including ten against West Michigan starter Brendan White in five innings. The barrage started early, thanks to back-to-back RBI singles from Jordan Díaz and William Simoneit for a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

Two innings later, Patrick McColl belted a two-run homer to right, his third roundtripper of the year, for a 4-0 Locos lead.

Patrick McColl flexes his muscles for his 3rd home run of the year! #VamosLocos pic.twitter.com/jxCeXzwolS

— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) July 25, 2021

Two innings after that, the Locos added their final run, with Marcos Brito singling home Simoneit. For Brito, it was his first hit at the High-A level after starting 0-for-20. For Simoneit, it was his third straight hit of the game; he and catcher Drew Millas each finished 3-for-5.

The rest was handled by a trio of Lansing pitchers, beginning with fireballing right-hander Peluse, who allowed three runs (one earned) in six innings, striking out six while walking none, to notch his third quality start of the season.

Brandon Withers held Las Calaveras hitless and scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings, walking one and striking out one.

Brock Whittlesey then wrapped everything up with a perfect ninth, blowing away Daniel Cabrera and Andrew Navigato to end the game.

Lansing lefty David Leal (7.06 ERA) gets the ball in the finale, matching up against Whitecaps southpaw Adam Wolf (4.35 ERA) at 6:05 p.m.

The next Nuts homestand runs from July 27-August 1 vs. Fort Wayne, including White Claws & Paws/LAFCU Fireworks on July 30, a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bobblehead Giveaway on July 31 and a partnership with the Potter Park Zoo with the Lugnuts playing as the Lansing Black Rhinos on August 1. To purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.

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