Lugs win HR Derby, but Loons win game

LANSING, Mich. - The Lansing Lugnuts (26-19) rallied from a six-run deficit with a three-homer sixth-inning uprising, only to see the Great Lakes Loons (23-24) score five runs in the seventh inning for a 12-8 win on Friday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

The Lugnuts' five-game winning streak was halted.

Great Lakes brought a 7-1 lead to the bottom of the sixth behind starter Devin Smeltzer, only to be overrun. Joshua Palacios walked and Bo Bichette knocked a two-run homer. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. walked, Bradley Jones singled and Christian Williams rocketed a three-run homer. Great Lakes pulled Smeltzer in favor of reliever Andre Scrugg, only to see J.B. Woodman tie the game at 7-7 with a home run down the left field line.

The Lugnuts had only hit three roundtrippers in the entire month of May before the home run deluge.

The Loons responded in the top of the seventh, however, scoring five runs on four hits and a crucial error by left fielder Edward Olivares , taking a 12-7 lead against reliever Geno Encina (Loss, 2-1). Luis Paz capped the rally with a two-run four-bagger to right, one of three Great Lakes home runs in the game.

Bradley Jones led off the bottom of the seventh with his team-leading eighth home run, drawing the Lugnuts within four runs - but they could get no closer.

Scrugg (Win, 1-0) earned the victory with one inning of work.

Lansing starter Mike Ellenbest allowed six runs on eight hits in five innings, striking out five. Encina pitched the sixth, seventh and eighth, striking out four while allowing six runs - only one of which was earned. Nick Hartman recorded a scoreless ninth, working around a walk.

Jones went 4-for-5 with two singles, a double and a homer to lead the Lugnuts' offense. Bichette was 2-for-4 with a HBP, increasing his MWL-leading average to .374.

Saturday is the second game of four-game series, an Eat-A-Palooza presented by Gordon Food Service featuring all-you-can-eat inside the ballpark! Lansing right-hander Andy Ravel (3-1, 7.46) starts against Great Lakes northpaw A.J. Alexy (0-2, 3.16). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
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