Game recap from the TinCaps:
Zunica Plates Four in TinCaps Win
Fort Wayne Tops Lansing, 4-1, in Series Opener(May 17, 2016) – Brad Zunica drove in all four runs in a 4-3 TinCaps win over the Lansing Lugnuts at Parkview Field on Tuesday night. With Fort Wayne trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, the designated hitter hammered a two-out, bases-clearing double to put the home team in front, 4-2.
Zunica’s double off the center-field fence scored catcher Austin Allen, third baseman Carlos Belen, and center fielder Michael Gettys. Allen started the two-out rally with a single off lefty Tayler Saucedo (L, 1-5). Belen then doubled, moving Allen to third, and Gettys drew a four-pitch walk.
The TinCaps hung on thanks to an outstanding defensive play in the top of the seventh. Lansing’s Andrew Guillotte singled with two outs to plate Carl Wise from third base. Shortstop Gunnar Heidt tried to score from second on the play but was thrown out by Fort Wayne left fielder Rod Boykin, with some help from Allen who applied the tag. That kept the game at 4-3.
Nick Monroe faced the minimum on the mound in the top of the eighth inning, while Trey Wingenter (S, 1) escaped danger in the ninth as he stranded the tying run at third base. Lane Thomas hit a leadoff single, advanced to second on a sac bunt, and moved to third on a balk. But the 6-foot-7 Wingenter struck out back-to-back batters to close it out.
J.C. Cosme matched a season-best effort with five innings. He struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter. Emmanuel Ramirez (W, 1-0) followed for the sixth and seventh.
Fort Wayne (20-18) took a 1-0 lead in the second. After Belen led off with a walk and Gettys doubled, Zunica grounded out to short to bring in Belen.
Lansing (18-17) tied the game in the fourth on a solo homer by Juan Kelly. The visitors leapt in front in the fifth on a Heidt single.
For Zunica, a 20-year-old left-handed batter, it was his second four-RBI game of the season. His 20 RBIs are second on the team to corner infielder Ty France, who has 21.
Next Game
- Wednesday, May 17 vs. Lansing at Parkview Field (11:05 a.m.)
- TinCaps Probable Starter: LHP Logan Allen
- Lugnuts Probable Starter: RHP Jon Harris
- Watch: Comcast Network 81
- Listen: ESPN Radio 1380 & 100.9 FM / TinCapsRadio.com / TuneIn Radio app
- Tickets
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