SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Marcus Knecht went 2-for-4 with three RBIs including a crucial broken-bat two-run single, helping the Lansing Lugnuts (1-1) hold off the South Bend Silver Hawks (1-4), 9-8, on Monday night at The Cove.
A night after the Lugnuts opened on the wrong end of a 13-12 decision, the Blue Jays affiliate found themselves in the midst of another slugfest.
The Nuts scored twice in the first inning, three runs in the third, two more in the fifth and a pair in the seventh on Knecht’s two-run flare. They needed every ounce of that offense, and some clutch relief pitching to boot.
In the seventh, Danny Barnes allowed a pair of runs to bring the Silver Hawks within two before coaxing a double play grounder from Raul Navarro to escape a bases-loaded jam.
South Bend closed the deficit to one in the ninth against closer Steve Turnbull, but the Minnesotan struck out Bobby Stone with the tying run on base to pick up his first save.
Lefty Alex Pepe (1-0) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings in relief of Egan Smith (4.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, BB, 2 K) to earn the Lugnuts’ first victory. Hawks starter J.R. Bradley was knocked out of the game after 3 1/3 innings, reached for five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks.
Carlos Perez doubled and tripled in five at-bats to aid the Lugnuts’ winning cause, with Jake Marisnick adding a single, double, and a pair of runs scored.
South Bend DH Zach Walters came within a triple of the cycle in a 3-for-5 performance in defeat. First baseman Yazy Arbelo provided three hits of his own.
The second game of the four-game series is slated for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, pitting Lugnuts right-hander Drew Hutchison against Silver Hawks southpaw David Holmberg.
The Lugnuts return home on Friday, April 15th, to Yooper Night at Cooley Law School Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.
