Loons’ Johnson shuts down Lugnuts to take over wins lead

Steven Johnson tied a career-high with 10 strikeouts and moved into sole possession of first place in the Midwest League in wins as the Loons shutout the Lugnuts Monday night at Oldsmobile Park 2-0.

Johnson surrendered only seven hits in 7 1/3 innings while walking two. It was the second time in his career he reached double digits in strikeouts. The last time he did so was nearly two years ago – July 2, 2006 while pitching for Ogden against Casper.

With the win, Johnson (9-2) overtakes Clinton’s Kennil Gomez and Alfredo Figaro of West Michigan for first place in the league in wins. He has won seven of his last eight starts and has not allowed a run in six of his 13 starts in 2008.

Matt Sartor entered the game with one out in the eighth and recorded the final five outs for his third save of the year.

The Loons scored their first run of the game in top of the first on a fly ball hit by Andrew Lambo to left fielder Yohermyn Chavez that Chavez dropped, allowing Jovanny Rosario to score.

The Loons tacked on their second run in the third on three straight singles to lead off the inning against Lansing starter Trystan Magnuson (0-7). The third hit was a single by Erik Kanaby, which scored Kenley Jansen from second.

Kanaby finished the game with three hits. The Loons (32-42, 2-3 second half) now have won two straight.

The Loons continue their series with the Lansing Lugnuts Tuesday. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Justin Miller (3-4, 3.30 ERA) will start for the Loons and will be opposed by left-hander Luis Perez (3-5, 3.56), the reigning Midwest League Pitcher of the Week.