Loons pitchers blank Silverhawks

One day after the Loons pitching staff struggled with control, Steven Johnson, Thomas Melgarejo and Miguel Ramirez proved to be in control. The Loons’ pitching trio combined on a three-hit shutout against the South Bend Silverhawks, and Great Lakes won 3-0 Wednesday night.

Each of the Loons’ three pitchers allowed one hit.

Johnson (8-2) pitched five innings, walking three and striking out one. He is now tied with Kennil Gomez for the league lead in wins.

Melgarejo followed out of the bullpen, walking two and striking out four. Ramirez pitched the final frame for his 14th save, tying him with Fort Wayne’s Jackson Quezada for the league lead in saves.

The strong pitching performance follows a disappointing outing Tuesday, in which Loons’ pitchers set new season highs with 12 walks and 13 runs allowed.

The Loons scored early in the game, when Erik Kanaby led off the top of the first with an infield single. Jovanny Rosario followed with a double scoring Kanaby. Rosario advanced to third on a ground ball to second by Andrew Lambo. He then scored on a ground out to short by Alfredo Silverio.

Great Lakes tacked on their third run when Brian Mathews tagged a shoulder-high fastball over the left-center field wall for his fourth homer of the year.

The Loons go for the series split against South Bend Thursday night at 7 p.m. Given Kutz (2-0) will start for Great Lakes. He will be opposed by former Central Michigan University and Homer High School pitcher Josh Collmenter (5-4).