Lansing - In his longest outing of the season, Lansing starting pitcher Carlos Vasquez (7-8) went eight strong innings, scattering two runs and four hits over 71 pitches en route to a 4-2 victory over the Battle Creek Yankees on Sunday at Oldsmobile Park.
"It was a good game for me," Vasquez said. "But not my best."
He seemed relaxed out on the mound, a complete turnaround from his previous two starts. In starts before Sunday, Vasquez went a combined five innings pitched, giving up 12 hits and eight earned runs, while striking out only one batter. Both of those games resulted in losses for both Vasquez and the Lugnuts.
Lansing manager Julio Garcia was satisfied with his pitcher's effort.
"His last few times out before this, he only went five of six innings," Garcia said. "It was good for him to go deep into the game today."
Battle Creek (7-10) opened the scoring in the top of the third inning following some impressive base-running. Center fielder Kaazim Summerville walked, stole second base, then scored on a base hit to center by catcher Omir Santos.
The Lugnuts (8-10) answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the third inning when infielder Buck Coats singled home right fielder J.J. Johnson. It looked like the 'Nuts were going to break the game wide open with only one out and the bases loaded, but third baseman Casey McGehee hit into an inning-ending double play.
In the fourth inning, however, Lansing did break the game open with big hits from Johnson and center fielder Felix Pie.Johnson continued to rack up timely hits, singling for infielder Robinson Chirinos to take a one-run lead. Pie then followed Johnson with a line drive single to center that scored catcher Randy Wells and Johnson.
Johnson was 2 for 3 on the day with two runs batted in and two runs scored.
Garcia was also glad to see the team get some clutch hits.
"Today, Pie and Johnson did a good job getting hits when we needed them," he said.
Yankee right-handed pitcher Josh Neitz kept Battle Creek in the game, throwing three perfect innings in relief of starter Manny Acosta (0-5).
His teammates, however, failed to give him any run support.
Vasquez exited the game and closer Jason Wylie came in to shut down the Yankees in the ninth. Wylie retired the side one-two-three and the game ended. It was Wylie's 18th save of the season and while he had struggled the night before, today was much easier.
"I just tried not to do too much out there," Wylie said. "Let them hit it, and rely on the guys behind me."
For the Lugnuts it was their second straight win, after they had lost their previous four games. The win improved the 'Nuts record to 8-10 in the second half of the season and lasted just 1:52, tying the time for shortest game of the season.
The Lugnuts continue their seven game home stand by kicking off a four game set against the West Michigan Whitecaps.Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. at Oldsmobile Park, 505 E. Michigan Ave.
J. Ryan Mulcrone can be reached at mulcron3@msu.edu.
