Orozco's unlikely HR lifts Lugnuts in 10th

Rodrigo Orozco went 3-for-5 with a tie-breaking two-run homer in the tenth inning, his first home run since 2015. (Tyler Marcotte)

By Jesse Goldberg-Strassler

August 6, 2017

DAYTON, OH - Bruce Yari forced extra innings with a dramatic home run in the bottom of the ninth - only to see Rodrigo Orozco blast a two-out, two-run homer in the tenth inning, lifting the Lansing Lugnuts (18-25, 55-54) to a 5-3 win over the Dayton Dragons (13-30, 54-59)

DAYTON, OH - Bruce Yari forced extra innings with a dramatic home run in the bottom of the ninth - only to see Rodrigo Orozco blast a two-out, two-run homer in the tenth inning, lifting the Lansing Lugnuts (18-25, 55-54) to a 5-3 win over the Dayton Dragons (13-30, 54-59) on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Field.

It was Orozco's first home run since August 15, 2015, a span of 120 games.

With the Lugnuts leading 3-2, two outs, and the bases empty in the bottom of the ninth inning, Yari worked the count to 3-and-2 before blasting the ninth pitch of the at-bat from Nick Hartman out to right-center to tie the score.

Dayton southpaw Jesse Adams (Loss, 4-1) appeared to be rolling right along, following a perfect ninth (comprising three strikeouts) with two quick outs in the tenth. But Adams walked pinch-hitter Nash Knight on four pitches and Orozco followed with a no-doubt home run to left field, putting the Lugnuts back on top. The blow ended Adams' 25 2/3 scoreless streak dating back to June 7th - when he coincidentally allowed a run against the Lugnuts.

Hartman (Win, 2-1) struck out two batters in the bottom of the tenth to lock down the win, stranding the tying runs on base.

Lansing starter Patrick Murphy fired six innings in his second start back from the Disabled List, striking out four batters and limiting the Dragons to solo tallies in the fourth and sixth innings. Connor Eller followed with two scoreless innings in relief.

His counterpart, Andrew Jordan, gave up three runs in six innings, including J.B. Woodman 's sixth home run of the season.

Orozco went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, reaching base in his 18th straight game. Joshua Palacios added three hits and a walk in five plate appearances.

On Monday at 7:00 p.m., the Lugnuts send right-hander Osman Gutierrez (4-8, 8.40) against Dayton right-hander Matt Blandino (1-4, 6.75) in the third game of the four-game series. Gutierrez struck out 10 Bowling Green Hot Rods in seven scoreless innings in his most recent start.

Gear up for the next Nuts homestand, stretching from Thursday, August 10, through Sunday, August 13, and beginning with a Labatt Thirsty Thursday featuring $2 beers/sodas and half off craft beers! Tickets may be purchased at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
# # #