Big first inning propels Lugnuts to win

The Lansing Lugnuts erased a two-run deficit with five runs in the bottom of the first inning, providing enough offense for a 5-3 win over the Great Lakes Loons Sunday afternoon at Oldsmobile Park.

The Loons jumped out to a 2-0 lead early. With Andrew Lambo on at first, Brandon Taylor connected for a two-run home run, his second homer in the series.

But the Lugnuts responded with a five-run first. Matt Liuzza doubled to score John Tolisano and Jonathan Jaspe and tie the game at two. Manny Rodriguez walked, putting two runners on. Then with two outs, Moises Sierra homered to right field to score three and give the Lugnuts a 5-2 lead.

Neither team would score until the ninth, when Alfredo Silverio hit his seventh homer of the year. The shot came against Tim Collins, who recorded the save in the game. It was the first homer and second earned run surrendered by Collins all season.

Silverio recorded two hits for his third consecutive multi-hit game.

Given Kutz (3-3) was charged with the loss. The Loons’ right-hander walked three in the ballgame, the first three unintentional walks Kutz has surrendered with the Loons this year. Brian Letko (1-1) survived the two early runs to pick up the win.

The Loons and Lugnuts conclude their three-game series from Lansing Monday evening beginning at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Daigoro Rondon (4-7, 5.60 ERA) will start for the Loons against left-hander Chi-Hung Cheng (3-4, 5.51).