Lansing Lugnuts Baseball

Hoilman, Chiefs slam Lugnuts in 9th, 6-2

PEORIA, IL – Paul Hoilman capped off a six-run ninth inning rally with a walk-off grand slam, catapulting the Peoria Chiefs (8-11) to a stunning 6-2 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (14-5) in the rubber match of a three-game series on Tuesday afternoon at Peoria Chiefs Stadium.

Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Chiefs quickly loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a fielding error by reliever Brandon Berl (Loss, 2-1).  Closer Ajay Meyer (Blown Save, 2) relieved Berl, but his first pitch was ripped by Wes Darvill to right field for a game-tying two-run double.

After an intentional walk re-loaded the bases, Hoilman smacked the walk-off long ball to the palm trees in left, his first home run of the season.

The Lugnuts had broken a scoreless tie in the top of the ninth against Ben Wells (Win, 1-1) when Kevin Pillar scored on an error by Chiefs centerfielder Pin-Chieh Chen and Andy Burns tacked on an RBI single. The lead, as it turned out, would not be nearly enough.

19-year-old right-hander Aaron Sanchez started for Lansing and dominated, striking out seven Chiefs over three innings while allowing only one hit and walking three.

Fellow prospect Justin Nicolino had to work out of trouble in the fifth and sixth inning, but the lefty similarly did not allow a run in his three innings of work, scattering five hits while striking out two.

Chiefs starter Kyler Burke was just as good, throwing six innings of three-hit, shutout ball.

In the losing cause, both Andy Burns and Kenny Wilson recorded 2-for-4 performances for the Lugnuts.

The Lansing Lugnuts return home to Cooley Law School Stadium on Wednesday, April 25th, beginning a six-game homestand with a 7:05 p.m. “Ladies Night” against Kane County.  Michigan native Jesse Hernandez (1-1, 1.47) will start for Lansing, opposed by Cougars Aaron Brooks (2-1, 5.87). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.

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