Timber Rattlers shut out Loons

by Cory Butzin

Nathan Adcock and two relievers held Great Lakes to five hits Tuesday in a 6-0 win by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on School Kids Day at Dow Diamond.

“They pitched well and it’s always disappointing when you don’t score any runs,” said Loons manager Juan Bustabad. “I think we were swinging at a lot of balls in the dirt. We need to take advantage of the fastball and be more aggressive.”

The Loons fell into an early hole when Joseph Dunigan blasted a three-run home run in the top of the first off of starter Daigoro Rondon (2-3).

After the blast, Rondon settled down and allowed only one more run in going 5 2/3 innings to record the loss.

Offensively, Great Lakes just couldn’t get on track. After two first-inning singles, with the exception of a third-inning walk, Adcock retired 13 consecutive batters going seven innings and striking out a career high nine batters to pick up the win.

The Loons threatened in the sixth when with three consecutive single to load the bases with no outs, but Adcock battled out of the jam with two strikeouts and a ground ball to end the inning.

“That was disappointing,” Bustabad said. “All we have to do is put the ball in play. We get a hit and we might score two. Maybe mix in three, four hits together and we’re right back in the game. (Brian) Mathews strikes out and (Alex) Garabedian strikes out. That killed us right there.”

Wisconsin added three more runs, highlighted by an Alex Liddi solo home run to close out the win.

After dropping the opening series to Beloit 1-2, Great Lakes took won two of three against the Timber Rattlers to finish their six-game home stand at .500. The Loons (14-17) return to action Thursday when they travel to Ohio to take on the Dayton Dragons. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.