Loons shut down Whitecaps

Left fielder Andrew Lambo drove home three runs on three hits and Justin Miller and Bobby Blevins combined to hold West Michigan to one unearned run in the Great Lakes Loons’ 5-1 win Tuesday night.

“The runners did their job and got on base in front of me,” Lambo said. “Miller pitched a great game. He really stepped up today.”

Lambo drove in his first run in the first inning, scoring Preston Mattingly with a single. Mattingly had reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second and third.

The Loons (4-2) struck for two runs in the third inning. Jovanny Rosario doubled with one out. He then scored on a double by Brian Mathews. Mathews later scored on a triple by Lambo.

The Loons scored two more in the fifth. Rosario singled with one out. Mattingly followed with a single on a hit-and-run, sending Rosario to third. Rosario then scored on a sacrifice fly by Mathews. Lambo followed with his third hit and third RBI, a double scoring Mattingly from first.

Miller (1-0) started for the Loons and did not allow an earned run in five innings, lowering his ERA to 0.90 on the season. Blevins followed with four scoreless innings of relief to record the save, his first of the season. Blevins retired the final 11 batters he faced.

The Loons are now 4-0 when scoring four runs or more and 0-2 when scoring three or less.

Right-hander Bryan Morris (0-0) returns to the mound for the Loons Wednesday night. He will be opposed by righty Alfredo Figaro (0-0). Game time is 6:35 p.m. from Fifth Third Ballpark.

Click here to see the box score.