The Lansing Lugnuts will play in game one of the 2003 Midwest League Championship Series at 6:05 tonight at Oldsmobile Park.

It is the second straight year the Lugnuts will play in the championship series. Last season, they fell to Peoria in four games.

The best-of-five series places the Lugnuts at home today and Wednesday. They will travel for the final three games of the series Thursday, Friday and Saturday, if necessary.

The Lugnuts are 4-0 in the playoffs after defeating the South Bend Silver Hawks and the Battle Creek Yankees two games apiece in their respective best-of-three series.

Despite posting a dismal record against the Silver Hawks during the season, the Lugnuts won game one against South Bend 3-1 on Wednesday before staging a thrilling comeback on Thursday with a 4-3 victory.

The series against the Battle Creek Yankees was very different, but had the same result - two wins.

Lansing mauled the Yankees Saturday, cracking 15 hits en route to a 11-4 victory. Sunday's game didn't feature the offensive attack, but rather a pitching masterpiece. The Lugnuts 4-0 win was highlighted by four pitchers combining on a two-hitter.

Lansing went 38-27 in the Eastern Division's first half for a second-place finish, guaranteeing them a spot in the postseason. For the entire season, Lansing finished fourth.

To score tickets, call the box office at (517)485-4500 ext. 251 or purchase tickets at the Oldsmobile Park box office between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Paul Day