Loons blank Lugnuts in brisk 1:54

MIDLAND, Mich. – Chris Newell swatted a two-run homer in the sixth inning, and the Great Lakes Loons (19-9) sped to a 2-0 series-opening victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (12-16) in a Tuesday matinee at Dow Diamond.

The game was completed in one hour and 54 minutes, the Lugnuts’ fastest nine-inning game since a one-hour, 52-minute contest at Quad Cities on July 26, 2023.

Lansing starter Wander Guante struck out two batters while scattering four hits and a walk in five scoreless innings, matching zeroes with Loons right-hander Jared Karros.

The Nuts’ first true threat against the Dodgers’ 2022 16th-rounder arrived in the sixth inning. Cameron Masterman singled and was sent to second when Karros attempted to pick him off at first base three times, a disengagement violation and balk. But Jonny Butler’s two-out 100-mph scorcher rebounded off Karros’ leg toward the first-base line, where the pitcher was able to limp over, retrieve it, and toss to first in time to retire the side.

The Loons then greeted Jacob Watters in the bottom of the sixth on a leadoff double from Noah Miller and a no-doubt drive by Newell below the video board in right. Watters recorded the next nine outs without allowing another hit, but the damage was done.

Jerming Rosario fired three scoreless, hitless innings in relief of Karros to cinch the win for Great Lakes.

Lansing’s only base runners: a fifth-inning single for Brayan Buelvas, the single by Masterman and an eighth-inning walk drawn by Colby Halter.

Blaze Pontes is scheduled to start the second game of the six-game series, set for 6:05 p.m. Wednesday. Great Lakes counters with right-hander Peter Heubeck.

Following the Sunday conclusion of the series, the Lugnuts will return home for a six-game series with Lake County from May 14-19. Tickets are available for purchase at the Jackson® Field™ box office, available for purchase at (517) 485-4500 or online at milb.com/lansing.

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