Lugnuts record 6th shutout, 4-0 over Clinton
April 29, 2012 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Lansing Lugnuts News Release
LANSING, Mich. - Justin Nicolino and Aaron Sanchez each threw three more impressive scoreless innings, partnering with a pair of relievers to lead the Lansing Lugnuts (18-6) to a 4-0 shutout of the Clinton LumberKings (10-14) on a Sunday Kids Day at Cooley Law School Stadium.
The Lugnuts have yet to lose consecutive games in 2012, due in large part to remarkably effective pitching. With the afternoon victory, Lansing has now recorded a league-best six shutouts while lowering its league-best ERA to a microscopic 2.04.
20-year-old left-hander Nicolino started the game and allowed just two base runners to reach second base in his three frames, walking one and striking out four.
19-year-old right-hander Sanchez (Win, 3-0) entered the game in the fourth and continued a stretch of consistency, allowing exactly one hit for the fifth straight appearance. The Californian struck out three and avoided issuing a walk for the first time this season.
Tyler Ybarra followed with 2 1/3 scoreless innings before departing one out into the ninth with runners at second and third. Closer Ajay Meyer (Save, 9, tops in MWL) promptly recorded a strikeout and groundout to end the game.
Lansing was led offensively by Kevin Patterson, who went 2-for-2 with a second inning sacrifice fly and his team-high fourth home run, sparking a three-run fifth inning against Clinton starter Trevor Miller (Loss, 1-2).
Andy Burns and Kellen Sweeney followed Patterson's home run with doubles for a 3-0 lead. Kenny Wilson then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to plate Sweeney and close out the scoring.
The Lansing Lugnuts finish their six-game homestand at Cooley Law School Stadium with a rubber match vs. Clinton on Monday, April 30th, at 7:05 p.m. Lansing right-hander Jesse Hernandez (2-1, 1.07) starts against LumberKings lefty Cameron Hobson (0-4, 4.50). Tickets are available online at the team website at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.
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