Miller’s gem spoiled in extra innings

Right-hander Justin Miller delivered one of the best pitching performances in the brief history of the Great Lakes Loons, but Lansing left fielder Jonathan Baksh spoiled the night with a two-out single in the bottom of the 11th inning to drive home the game-winning run for the Lugnuts.

Miller pitched 8 2/3 innings for the Loons before being lifted in the ninth inning following consecutive two-out walks, setting a new franchise record for innings pitched in a game. The Loons’ previous high in innings was eight, set seven times, most recently on June 12 of this year by Given Kutz at South Bend.

Miller dueled throughout the game with Luis Perez, who went a Lugnuts’ season-high nine innings, but also received a no-decision. Both pitchers worked quickly and efficiently, and regulation play was completed in nearly two hours.

Loons closer Miguel Ramirez entered the game in the ninth following Miller’s back-to-back walks. He proceeded to induce a fly out to right field by Baksh to end the ninth.

Then in the 11th, with Ramirez (1-5) still on the hill, John Tolisano and Matt Liuzza singled to lead off the inning. Moises Sierra was unsuccessful in his attempt to lay down a bunt and eventually struck out. Yohermyn Chavez followed with a broken-bat single to center to load the bases. Ramirez then struck out Mike McDade. But with two outs and the bases still loaded, Baksh grounded back up the middle and past Ramirez to drive home the game-winning run. Baksh finished the game 4-for-5.

The Loons scored their lone run of the game in the second inning on an RBI single by Parker Dalton, getting his first career start at third base, to score Alfredo Silverio.

Lansing tied the score at one in the third following back-to-back wild pitches by Miller, which sent Baksh from second to third and then from third to the plate.

The Loons continue their four-game series with the Lansing Lugnuts Wednesday. Game time is 7:05pm ET. The game will be carried in Mid-Michigan on ESPN 100.9-FM (WLUN), the Loons’ flagship radio home. Left-handers Victor Garate (4-2, 2.03 ERA) and Marc Rzepczynski (2-2, 2.36) will oppose each other in the game.