| Monday, June 4, 2012 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler ( 517) 485-4500, extension 233 |
Lugnuts trim magic number to 1 with 1-0 win
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kevin Pillar delivered an RBI double in the fourth to back a sterling effort from Marcus Walden, leading the Lansing Lugnuts (40-17) to a 1-0 two-hit shutout of the South Bend Silver Hawks (29-29) in a Monday matinee at Coveleski Stadium.
With the win, the Lugnuts trimmed their magic number down to one. They can clinch a Midwest League playoff berth in their next game, the start of a six-game homestand Wednesday at Cooley Law School Stadium.
The Lugs’ league-leading ninth shutout secured the series victory against the Silver Hawks, concluding a 3-3 road trip. Lansing is the first Midwest League team to reach the 40-win mark this year.
Walden (Win, 4-1) walked a pair and struck out one while only allowing two base runners to reach second base.
As part of a 2-for-4 day, Pillar provided all of the offense for the Lugs when he shot a fourth-inning RBI double into right field to score Andy Burns, who walked twice in a 0-for-2 day.
Brandon Berl tossed a pair of scoreless innings in relief before handing the ball over to Javier Avendano (Save, 2), who recorded four strikeout in a perfect eighth and ninth.
Top prospect Archie Bradley (Loss, 6-3) tossed 5 1/3 innings for South Bend, allowing one run on two hits while walking four and striking out four.
The Lugnuts will return home for a six-game homestand beginning on Wednesday, June 6th at 7:05 p.m. with a Ladies Night against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Lansing will start righty Aaron Sanchez (5-0, 0.47 ERA) against Hot Rods southpaw Ryan Carpenter (5-2, 3.59).
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.# # #
