| Friday, August 17, 2012 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler ( 517) 485-4500, extension 233 |
Hobson's record-setting night helps Lugs avoid sweep
LANSING, Mich. – K.C. Hobson’s record-setting night helped the Lansing Lugnuts (28-23, 75-45) to a 5-4 victory over the Fort Wayne TinCaps (31-22, 62-61) on Saturday night on Jackson Field.
Hobson went 3-for-4 with two doubles, including an RBI two-bagger in the Lugnuts’ four-run first inning, first tying and then breaking the Lugnuts single-season franchise record for doubles on Saturday. The first baseman’s 39 doubles this year break the record of 38 set by Blair Barbier in 2001 and matched by Brian Dopirak in 2004.
Gustavo Pierre added three hits in four at-bats, including a sixth-inning home run that was the difference in the game.
Lugs closer Ajay Meyer (Save, 32) worked an eventful ninth inning, striking out Mike Gallic to strand the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base to end the game.
Lansing manager John Tamargo Jr. was ejected by bases umpire Ben Guttenberger earlier in the ninth inning, disputing Kyle Gaedele’s infield single.
It was the second ejection of the game, following Fort Wayne left fielder Lee Orr’s heave-ho in the top of the fourth for arguing balls and strikes.
Justin Nicolino (Win, 8-4) started for Lansing and worked five innings, struck out six and walked one. He allowed just two hits and one run, both coming in the third inning.
Phil Brua allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings worth of work out of the Lugnuts bullpen. Ian Kadish stranded the potential game-tying run in scoring position in the seventh during his 1 2/3 scoreless innings of work.
TinCaps starter James Needy (Loss, 6-2) surrendered four runs and six hits, four of which were doubles, in the first inning. In his final four innings of work, the righty did not allow a run and gave up just three more hits while striking out two and walking one.
With the win, the Lugs avoided the first sweep of the season, snapped a three-game streak and snapped a season-long six-game home losing streak.
Lansing heads on the road for a seven-game road trip that begins in Eastlake, Ohio, against the Lake County Captains. The Lugnuts will start Anthony DeSclafani (10-3, 2.91) in the 7:00 p.m. Saturday opener, opposed by Captains lefty Elvis Araujo (6-9, 5.21).
The Lugs return home to Cooley Law School Stadium for Lugnut Charities Night on Saturday, August 25th, opening a four-game series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.# # #
