Loons push winning streak to three

Brian Mathews broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run opposite field home run Thursday night as the Great Lakes Loons defeated the Lansing Lugnuts 3-1 at Oldsmobile Park. The Loons have now won three in a row and have pulled within two and a half games of the Lugnuts and West Michigan Whitecaps for first in the Midwest League East.

Mathews’ homer came in the sixth inning with two outs and Andrew Lambo on first in a tie game. Mathews’ shot hit off the glove of right fielder Moises Sierra and appeared to go through an opening in the silver fence in right field above the green outfield wall. According to the ground rules of Oldsmobile Park, a ball passing through that section of the fence is a ground rule double and not a home run.

Lansing manager Clayton McCullough argued the call to no avail with field umpire Nate Thompson.

Victor Garate (3-0) picked up the win in his third start of the year. He allowed four hits and one earned run in five innings, striking out six. Miguel Sanfler hurled three hitless, scoreless innings of relief. Miguel Ramirez pitched a perfect ninth for his league-leading 12th save. Ramirez has not allowed an earned run in 23 1/3 innings this year.

Alfredo Silverio had three hits to pace the Loons.

The series continues Friday in Lansing. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Bobby Blevins (2-3) gets his first start of the season. He will be opposed by lefty Marc Rzepczynski (0-1).