Loons comeback falls short

The Great Lakes Loons loaded the bases in the ninth inning with the potential tying run at second and winning run at first Monday night, but the team’s rally fell short, and Kane County picked up a 6-4 victory at Dow Diamond.

The game featured a matchup of two first-place teams, but the contest was marred by sloppy play on both sides. The Loons (9-8) and Cougars (15-2) combined to commit four errors and record two passed balls, three wild pitches, one hit batsman and two balks.

With the game tied 2-2, the Cougars took the lead in the sixth inning off Loons’ reliever Geison Aguasviva (1-1). Aguasviva walked three batters in the inning, committed a balk, and the go-ahead run scored on a passed ball charged to Kenley Jansen.

Cougars pitchers held the Loons to four hits in the ballgame.

The Loons attempted a comeback in the ninth inning. Joe Becker led off the frame reaching on a two-base throwing error on third baseman Christian Vitters, his second of the game. Justin Friend relieved Branden Dewing and walked Scott Van Slyke. Later with one out and runners at second and third, Parker Dalton grounded to Vitters, scoring Becker. Vitters threw late to second in an attempt to retire Van Slyke. Then with two outs, Erik Kanaby walked to load the bases, but Friend struck out Jaime Ortiz to end the Loons’ rally attempt.

The series continues Tuesday afternoon from Dow Diamond. The game will be preceded by
Northwood versus Alma in college baseball action. Gates open at 2:30pm for a 3pm first pitch. The Loons’ game will begin at 7:05pm. Tickets to the Loons’ game will admit fans to both games of the doubleheader. It’s also Firefighter Appreciation Night. Kyle Smit (0-1) will start for the Loons.