Loons drop another close one to Lugnuts

Jonathan Jaspe drove in both Lansing runs and Marc Rzepczynski struck out six in five innings as the Lugnuts defeated the Great Lakes Loons 2-1 for the second consecutive night.

Jaspe homered with two outs in the first to give Lansing a 1-0 lead. The Loons tied the game at one on a ground out by Travis Vetters to score Alex Garabedian, who had doubled.

Then in the third, Eric Eiland scored on a sacrifice fly by Jaspe to give Lansing a 2-1 lead.

Victor Garate (4-3) started and fanned eight in six innings, but was charged with the loss.

Rzepczynski (3-2) walked four batters, including three in the fifth inning, but allowed just one run in five frames.

Andrew Lambo recorded two hits for the Loons.

The Loons conclude their four-game series with the Lansing Lugnuts Thursday. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Given Kutz (2-1, 3.94 ERA) will take the mound for Great Lakes against left-hander Chi Hung Cheng (3-3, 5.45).

The Loons return to Dow Diamond to start an eight-game homestand Friday, opening with four games against South Bend.