| Monday, September 3, 2012 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler ( 517) 485-4500, extension 233 |
Captains rout Lugnuts in regular season finale, 15-6
LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Lugnuts (35-33, 82-55) surrendered nine runs in the seventh inning of a 15-6 loss to the Lake County Captains (40-30, 71-68) in the regular season finale on Monday afternoon on Jackson Field.
Lake County recorded eight hits and scored nine runs in the seventh against Aleson Escalante (Loss, 1-2) and Phil Brua. The seventh was highlighted by Leonardo Castillo’s three-RBI double and Jose Ramirez’s two-run triple.
The Lugnuts bullpen surrendered all 15 Captains’ runs and 14 of the 16 Captains hits. Escalante allowed six runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. Tim Brechbuehler surrendered six runs in 1 2/3 on four hits and three walks. Phil Brua gave up three runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings.
Lansing scored all six of their runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a short-lived lead. The Lugs recorded all six runs after two outs thanks to seven consecutive two-out base hits. K.C. Hobson (2-for-4) recorded a two-RBI single. Jason Leblebijian scored in the third and recorded two hits in four at-bats. Gustavo Pierre (2-for-4) delivered an RBI single and scored a run.
The Captains’ bullpen allowed one hit in six innings of work led by Cody Penny (Win, 4-1) who tossed three scoreless innings.
The Lugnuts finish the 2012 regular season as the winningest team in franchise history. Lansing set a single-season record for wins in a season (82), consecutive wins to begin a year (7), most wins in a month (20, May), most wins in a half (47, first half) and most shutouts in a season (16).
Hobson set the single season record for doubles (43) and Ajay Meyer recorded the single-season saves record (32).
First-year manager John Tamargo Jr. was named the MWL’s Manager of the Year and outfielder Kevin Pillar was named the league’s MVP in addition to postseason all-star honors. Justin Nicolino was selected as the left-handed starter on the postseason all-star team. Ajay Meyer was selected as the right-handed reliever.
The Lugnuts will take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps in the best-of-three first round of the Midwest League Playoffs. The winner of the series will take on either the Captains or the Hot Rods. Game 1 is in Fort Wayne on Wednesday, September 5th at 7:05 p.m. Lansing has yet to announce their starter. The TinCaps will have righty James Needy (6-3, 1.75) on the mound.
Lansing will host Game 2 on Thursday, September 6th at 7:05 p.m. It will be a Labatt Blue Light Thirsty Thursday with $2 beer and soda specials and a post-game concert by The Verve Pipe. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.# # #
