Loons close to clinching playoff spot after beating Lansing Friday

The Great Lakes Loons are close to securing a post season spot after beating the Lansing Lugnuts 6-1 in downtown Lansing Friday evening.

The Loons scored 5 runs in the Eighth inning to break the game wide open. Alex Verdugo drove in his second and third rbi's of the night to lead the great lakes scoring attack in the eighth.

With 2 games left in the first half of the MWL season the Loons are just 1 game behind first-place Lansing and 2 games ahead of both Bowling Green and Lake County. Bowling Green was eliminated after the Loons win on Friday, but if the Loons lose their final 2 games and Lake County wins their final 2 games, then Lake County would get the final spot because they have a better head-to-head record with Great Lakes.

Trevor Oaks pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, while striking out one batter. Oaks left the game with a 1-0 lead and J.D. Underwood came in and allowed Lansing to tie the game at one run apiece through 2 innings of work. Jose Alberto Molina finished the night for Great Lakes, earning the win.

Verdugo finished with 3 hits, 3 rbi's, and a stolen base. Newcomer, Cristian Gomez continues to produce for the Loons. He had 2 doubles and scored 2 runs for the Loons. Michael Ahmed chipped in with 2 hits also.

The Loons will play their final two games of the first half Sat & Sun on the road against Lansing. The MWL all star game is Tue in Peoria, Illinois at Dozer stadium.