APPLETON, Wisc. - The Lansing Lugnuts (18-13) took leads of 3-0 and 5-3, only to see the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (13-17) tie the game in the eighth and win it in the ninth, 6-5, on a throwing error by pitcher Ty Tice , opening a three-game series on Monday night at
APPLETON, Wisc. - The Lansing Lugnuts (18-13) took leads of 3-0 and 5-3, only to see the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (13-17) tie the game in the eighth and win it in the ninth, 6-5, on a throwing error by pitcher Ty Tice , opening a three-game series on Monday night at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.
Nick Roscetti led off the bottom of the ninth with a single to left field off of Tice (Loss, 1-1), advancing to second on a passed ball. Joantgel Segovia laid down a bunt back to Tice, who spun and attempted to nail Roscetti at third. The throw went into left field, allowing Roscetti to easily score with the winning run.
Christian Williams went 3-for-4 with a home run and Kevin Smith doubled and tripled for the Lugnuts, who lost their fourth straight game.
Williams's fourth home run of the season capped a two-run fifth that broke a 3-3 tie. In the home fifth, a two-out single by Gilbert Lara brought in Joantgel Segovia - but right fielder Chavez Young threw out Tristen Lutz at the plate to keep the Lugnuts in the lead.
In the eighth inning, events repeated themselves: Payton Henry's two-out single off Tice (Blown Save, 1) scored Demi Orimoloye to tie the game - but Young's throw to home plate was perfect to cut down Zach Clark, ending the inning.
The Lugnuts had a chance for the lead in the ninth. Reggie Pruitt led off with a double against reliever Jose Cuas (Win, 1-0) and moved to third on a Young grounder. Pruitt then broke for home on a Kevin Vicuña grounder to third, but Lara fielded and threw to catcher Henry in time to stop him.
Lansing starter Zach Logue tossed six innings for the fourth straight start, striking out six and allowing four runs on eight hits (two solo home runs) and two walks.
Right-hander Maverik Buffo (5.75 ERA) starts the middle game of the three-game series, opposing Wisconsin right-hander Bowden Francis (2.86) at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday.
The Nuts return to Cooley Law School Stadium on Monday, May 14th, opening a seven-game homestand on a Dog Days of Summer. To purchase tickets and live the Lug Life, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
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