Putting the Win in Winckowski

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Josh Winckowski scattered 10 hits in seven innings and the Lansing Lugnuts (18-23) snapped a franchise record ten-game road losing streak, 7-1, over the Fort Wayne TinCaps (17-23) on Saturday night at Parkview Field.

The Lugnuts had not won a game away from Cooley Law School Stadium since a 4-0 victory at Bowling Green on April 26th - but Winckowski (Win, 4-1), who had tossed seven scoreless innings in that game, was up for the challenge as stopper.

The 20-year-old right-hander gave up one hit in each of the first four innings and two hits in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but stiffened when it mattered, striking out six and holding the TinCaps to 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Fort Wayne's only run came on a Grant Little sacrifice fly in the seventh with the Lugnuts already leading by six runs.

The Lugnuts' offense was sparked by first baseman Jake Brodt , who lined a two-run double in the second inning to put the Nuts in the lead for good. Left fielder Hunter Steinmetz went 2-for-3 with a run scored, a walk, an RBI single and an RBI double, and third baseman Luis De Los Santos , who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI.

Relievers Joey Pulido and Cre Finfrock sewed up the win, pitching the eighth and ninth innings respectively.

Fort Wayne starter Angel Acevedo (Loss, 0-5) allowed four runs on six hits and one walk in five innings to suffer the defeat.

The Lugnuts go for a series split in the four-game set at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Parkview Field. Neither team has announced its starting pitcher.

The Lansing Lugnuts return home on Monday, May 20th, opening an eight-game homestand with a Dollar Monday - $1 hot dogs, $1 popcorn, $1 ice cream sandwiches, $1 Miller High Life and $1 16-oz. fountain drinks! To live the Lug Life and purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
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