Johnson outduels CMU alum to pick up win for Loons

On a day when former CMU standout Josh Collmenter received the attention, it was Steven Johnson who received the victory as the Great Lakes Loons defeated the South Bend Silver Hawks at Dow Diamond by a score of 3-0.

Johnson’s 7 2/3 innings were the longest a Loons starter has pitched in a game during the 2008 season.

“It’s always a good feeling when it’s getting dark and you’re still on the mound,” said Johnson after the ballgame.

The Loons struck first in the fifth against Collmenter when Preston Mattingly ripped a two-out RBI single to left field to give the Loons the 1-0 lead. Scott Van Slyke’s RBI sacrifice fly and Jovanny Rosario’s RBI single in the sixth inning gave the Loons a pair of insurance runs making it 3-0.

Rosario led the Loons with three hits and an RBI in the victory.

Johnson baffled Silver Hawk hitters all evening going, allowing only four hits and striking out four before giving way to Matt Sartor, who pitched over an inning of relief in picking up his second save of the season. Johnson picked up the victory in the ballgame improving his record to 4-1.

“Today was just a great day,” Johnson said. “Pitchers live for days like this.”

Collmenter, who hails from nearby Homer, pitched five innings allowing one run to pick up the tough-luck loss dropping his record to 2-3.

The Loons improve to 17-18 while the Silver Hawks fall to 13-21.

The Loons and Silver Hawks continue their four game series from Dow Diamond Tuesday night. Game time is 7:05pm. Bryan Morris is scheduled to start for Great Lakes. The Loons will be celebrating Outdoor Night and professional fishermen will compete in skills challenges during the game.