Lizarraga slam propels Loons to big win

Francisco Lizarraga hit the first grand slam in Great Lakes Loons history Wednesday night as the Loons topped the West Michigan Whitecaps 9-2.

Lizarraga’s fourth-inning slam was preceded by his two-run shot in the second off Whitecaps starter Jonah Nickerson and paved the way for his huge night as he drove in a team record six runs. Lizarraga’s slam made it 6-0 at the time and the Loons never looked back in winning their 53rd game of the year.

Other offensive heroes included Adolfo Gonzalez, who had three hits (one a double), two runs scored, and an RBI to extend his hitting streak to nine games. Brian Mathews added three hits, while Matt Berezay’s double moved him into a tie for second in the Midwest League’s doubles category. Trayvon Robinson had a double and a triple, and Eduardo Perez chipped in two hits.

On the mound for the Loons, James Adkins started and pitched three innings of one-hit baseball. Tim Sexton (2-0) followed out of the bullpen to pitch four frames, allowing only one run to pick up the win. Jonathan Figueroa fired a scoreless eighth, and Blake Brannon pitched the ninth to finish the game.

The Loons extend their 2007 dominance over the Whitecaps, improving to 8-4 over their in-state rivals. The Whitecaps are one of three teams the Loons have a winning record against (Cedar Rapids and South Bend, the others). The Loons are the only team West Michigan has a losing mark against this year.

The rivalry continues Thursday evening from Dow Diamond, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Paul Coleman will oppose lefty Duane Below.