Devil Rays Stun Lugnuts Late

Devil Rays Stun Lugnuts Late
Lansing's Eight Game Streak Snapped

LANSING- Four runs in the final two innings lifted the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays to a 4-2 over the Lansing Lugnuts before 5,659 fans at Oldsmobile Park Thursday night. The loss halted Lansing's season high eight game winning streak.

The Devil Rays trailed 2-0 in the eighth before plating three runs on four consecuitve hits. Neil Walton led the frame off with a single to right, where he was promptly followed up by Garret Groce's pinch hit single. John Matulia then roped a single to right that scored Walton to make the score 2-1. Cesar Suarez then faked a bunt and laced a double down the right field line that scored both Groce and Matulia to give Southwest Michigan (26-27) a 3-2 lead.

The Rays added one insurance run in the ninth when Matt Spring scored on a Hunter Vick single to make the game 4-2.

Lansing's only runs of the game came in the first inning after Cory Patton cracked his eighth homer of the season, a two run shot that cleared the right field wall to give the Lugnuts a 2-0 lead.

Kristian Bell started the game for Lansing and had his best outing of the season, throwing seven innings of shutout baseball, while allowing just two hits and fanning six. He also walked five in the game and did not factor into the decision.

Wade Davis picked up the win for the Rays by tossing seven innings and yielding just two runs on four hits. He struck out nine in the game.

Lansing (33-19) will now hit the road for a four game set against the South Bend SilverHawks at Koveleski Stadium. Russ Savickas (2-0, 2.40) will pitch for the Lugnuts on Friday. He will be opposed by the SilverHawks' Anthony Cupps (3-6, 6.11). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.
Courtesy of the Lugnuts Media Realtions.