Burlington blasts Loons

The Burlington Bees only recorded six hits in Thursday night’s ballgame, but six runs were enough as the Bees defeated the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond by a score of 6-0.

The game was scoreless until the fifth inning, when the Bees scored on a fielder’s choice bunt attempt in front of home plate by catcher Todd Balduf. Loons catcher Alex Garabedian quickly fielded the ball and threw to third base in an effort to create a rundown between third and home with Bees right fielder Jamar Walton. Walton quickly dashed home and the throw back to Garabedian was late, giving the Bees a 1-0 lead.

Burlington tacked on a pair of runs in the sixth when Jason Taylor scored on a wild pitch by Loons starter Justin Miller and Walton ripped an RBI single into right field to give the Loons a 3-0 advantage.

The Bees scored three times on two home runs in the eighth, when David Lough blasted a solo homer, his seventh of the season, and Todd Balduf also connected for a two-run homer, his first home run as a member of the Bees to make it 6-0.

Loons right fielder Alfredo Silverio led the team with three hits in the loss.

Bees starter Alex Caldera picked up the victory for the Bees, hurling 7 2/3 brilliant innings holding the Loons scoreless, improving his record to 7-6. Chris Chavez came on in relief to pick up his third save of the season after pitching 1 1/3 shutout innings. Miller carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning but left after pitching six innings while allowing three runs in picking up the loss, dropping his record to 3-7.

Miller walked six batters in the loss, and has now walked 54 batters in 96 innings on the mound this season.

The Loons continue their six-game home stand and conclude their three-game set against the Burlington Bees Friday evening at Dow Diamond. Game time is 7:05 p.m.