LANSING – Strong pitching and an opportunistic offense lifted the Lansing Lugnuts to their third straight win Tuesday night, a 7-2 triumph over the Peoria Chiefs before 2,314 fans at Oldsmobile Park. The win guarantees the Lugnuts a series victory for the first time in four attempts after dropping three consecutive sets, all of which came against Western Division teams.

For the third consecutive game, the Lugnuts were able to score multiple times in the first inning to gain an early advantage. This time Lansing jumped on Peoria starter Dae-Eun Rhee, who entered the game with just one run scored against him all season.

Raul Barron and Kevin Ahrens each singled to start the game, putting runners at the corners for Darin Mastroianni. He then reached on an infield single that allowed Barron to score and make it a 1-0 game. After Manny Rodriguez grounded into a double play, Yohermyn Chavez walked and Matt Liuzza singled to center field, plating Ahrens to push the lead to 2-0. John Tolisano's base hit to right field then scored Chavez, while Liuzza would cap the scoring in the frame by scampering home on a passed ball to quickly put Lansing ahead 4-0.

The run support was more than enough for Nate Starner (1-2), who garnered his first win of the year. He threw six shutout innings and allowed just four hits, all singles, while fanning seven. Two of the four hits against Starner were successful bunts.

Peoria scored twice in the seventh to pull within two runs but Lansing immediately regained a comfortable lead by pushing three runs across the plate in the bottom of the frame. With two men on, Chavez doubled into the right field corner to bring home Ahrens and make it a 5-2 game. Liuzza then added a sacrifice fly and Tolisano ended the frame with his second RBI single of the night that brought home the game's final run.

Rhee (3-1) took his first loss for the Chiefs after allowing four runs, three of which were earned, in just one inning. He was limited in his outing due to a pitch count.

The Lugnuts also continued their trend of two-out rallies Tuesday night, as four of their runs were plated with two away.

Lansing (11-7) will now have an opportunity for its second home sweep of the season on Wednesday in the finale with Peoria (7-12). A pair of southpaws will take the mound at Oldsmobile Park, as Brad Mills (1-1, 4.20) gets the start for the Lugnuts, while Zach Ashwood (0-2, 1.08) will deal for the Chiefs. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m.

AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS
1st: Matt Liuzza bounces a single to center to plate a run.
2nd: John Tolisano starts a spectacular double play.
7th: Yohermyn Chavez doubles home another run for the Lugnuts.