Lugnuts Shutout TinCaps, Even Series

LANSING, Mich. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps were defeated, 4-0, by the Lansing Lugnuts on Sunday afternoon at Cooley Law School Stadium. Fort Wayne failed to capitalize with runners on base, and had to turn to the bullpen early after a short outing from starting pitcher Frank Garces.

Lansing (31-29, 78-51) attacked Garces (9-5) for three runs in the third inning. Garces, whose command wavered over 3 2/3 innings, surrendered a leadoff single to Lugnuts center fielder Nick Baligod. Jason Leblebijian then hit a grounder to short, which Jace Peterson fielded. He threw to second to attempt a force out, but his toss sailed wide of second baseman Tyler Stubblefield, leaving Peterson with an error and the Lugnuts with runners at first and second. With the bases loaded after a K.C. Hobson infield single, Kevin Patterson lofted sacrifice fly to left field, putting Lansing in front, 1-0. Michael Crouse followed with a two-run double to left field, scoring both Leblebijian and Hobson and extending the lead to 3-0.

Garces was tagged for six hits while walking two and striking out two. James Jones pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Luis De La Cruz allowed one run over 1 1/3 innings, and Johnny Barbato recorded the final two outs against Lansing.

 Lugnuts starter Noah Syndergaard (8-5) worked five scoreless innings and picked up the win. In 16 innings against the TinCaps this season, he has not allowed a run and has struck out 16 batters. Brandon Berl worked two innings, as did Ian Kadish, who was credited with his first save of the season.

The loss marks the fifth time Fort Wayne (34-28, 78-52) has been held scoreless this season.

Game three of the four-game series is scheduled for Monday evening at 7:05. The scheduled starters are Colin Rea for Fort Wayne and Justin Nicolino for Lansing.