Henry Baez struck out a career-high 10 batters over five innings without allowing an earned run, but the TinCaps lost to the Lansing Lugnuts (A’s affiliate), 9-3, on Friday night at Parkview Field.
Game recap from the Fort Wayne TinCaps:
Baez Sets Career High for Strikeouts, But ‘Caps Lose
By Jack GordonFort Wayne, Indiana (July 5, 2024) – Henry Baez struck out a career-high 10 batters over five innings without allowing an earned run, but the TinCaps lost to the Lansing Lugnuts (A’s affiliate), 9-3, on Friday night at Parkview Field.
As part of “TV Sitcom Night,” actor Jim O’Heir, who played Jerry Gergich on Parks and Recreation, was a special guest. But unfortunately for the home fans, Fort Wayne had a comedy of errors, committing a season-high four errors in the field.
That said, after the Lugnuts scored two unearned runs in the first, the ‘Caps responded in the second with their first run of the game. Third baseman Devin Ortiz doubled and eventually moved to third after a pair of walks to right fielder Kai Murphy and left fielder Joshua Mears. With the bases loaded, designated hitter Griffin Doersching hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1.
The TinCaps kept it within two runs through the first five innings, but the wheels fell off starting in the sixth. Cameron Masterman powered the Lugnuts to a 4-1 lead after a two-run homer. In the seventh, Lansing (5-9, 37-42) put together a four-run inning, headlined by a Luke Mann three-run homer. After adding another run in the eighth, the Lugnuts led 9-1.
In the ninth, Fort Wayne (5-9, 33-47) rallied. First baseman Romeo Sanabria led off with a single, Ortiz hit another single soon after, and Murphy walked to load the bases. Doersching drew a walk to bring in a run and make it 9-2. The next batter, second baseman Nerwilian Cedeño had the same fate – a walk with the bases loaded to score a run and cut the deficit to 9-3, but that was as close as it got.
A fantastic start from Baez (No. 30 Padres prospect) was spoiled in the loss. Not only did he eclipse his previous high for strikeouts by two, the 21-year-old also didn’t walk a batter.
Next Game: Saturday, July 6 vs. Lansing (6:35pm)
- TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Dylan Lesko (No. 3 Padres prospect)
- Lugnuts Probable Starter: RHP Jake Garland
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