Lansing hit two home runs in the first four innings to put Lake County behind the eight ball early on July 3 as the two completed their series at Classic Park. The early deficit proved to be too much for the Captains as they fell to the Lugnuts, 8-4.
The Captains (39-36) scored their first run on a Zac Fascia double that drove in Connor Kokx. Korey Holland hit a solo home run to left field in the seventh, and Petey Halpin drove in two runs in the ninth. But the offense couldn’t muster any more hits.
For Holland, it was his second home run in as many days and fourth in the past seven days. Manager Greg DiCenzo was happy to see that Holland jumped at the chance to get the Captains on the board even though he’s been in and out of the lineup.
“For a guy that’s not hitting every day, it’s really hard to jump in the box and take important swings,” said DiCenzo. “He hits the ball well every time and when he’s not in the lineup hitting, he’s working hard and getting ready for when his number is called. It’s fun to see a player like him take advantage of those opportunities when given the chance.”
Lansing got a hold of Tommy Mace in the second inning. A single by Joshwan Wright that slid under the glove of a sliding Alexfri Planez drove in Patrick McColl. After a walk, Lawrence Butler sent a shot to deep right that cleared the guard rail for a three-run home run.
In the seventh, the Lugnuts added two more runs with a Jack Winkler single to right. One final run for Lansing came in the ninth when Winkler hit another RBI single.
The bats for the Captains had few answers for Jake Walkinshaw or Osvaldo Berrios on the mound for the Lugnuts. Lake County mustered five hits as they left 12 runners in scoring position and struck out 10 times.
“If we’re leaving that many guys in scoring position, we need to find ways to take advantage of that,” said DiCenzo. “No matter who we’re playing against, when those types of situations raise their heads, we need to take advantage. Whether it’s a base knock or a home run or something in between, we’re always just a hit away from being back in the game and everyone in the lineup needs to be ready.”
While the bats struggled against the Lugnuts, Planez did extend his hitting streak to 16 games with a double in the bottom of the third.
Lake County begins its next series on July 4 when the Captains travel to Fort Wayne. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
