Chiefs use big first inning to beat Loons

The Peoria Chiefs struck for two first inning runs and never looked back Sunday afternoon at O’Brien Field, defeating the Great Lakes Loons 7-1.

In the first inning, Jonathan Wyatt doubled to shallow center field with one out, on a ball that landed between Jovanny Rosario and Francisco Lizarraga. Nate Samson followed with a double down the right field line. Samson stole third and scored on a base hit by Rebel Ridling.

Midwest League all-star Jovan Rosa doubled to plate one in the third. Ridling added a two-run double in the fifth. RBI singles by Wyatt and Rosa tacked on two more runs in the sixth.

The Loons did not score until the ninth, when Erik Kanaby scored on a ground out by Eduardo Perez. Kanaby finished the game with three of the Loons’ four hits. Ex-Chief Brandon Taylor was the only other Loon to record a hit in the game.

Bryan Morris (1-4) started and allowed five runs (all earned) in 4 2/3 innings to record his first loss since May 3. Miguel Sanfler allowed two runs in 2 1/3 relief innings, snapping a seven-appearance scoreless streak for the lefty.

The Loons (12-18 second half, 41-57 overall) will try to conclude their six-game road trip with a winning record Monday morning against the Peoria Chiefs. Game time is scheduled for noon. Right-hander Josh Lindblom (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is scheduled to make his second professional start in the game opposite right-hander Jose Pina (0-0, 4.15). Right-hander Justin Miller (3-7, 3.82) is also scheduled to pitch in relief for the Loons.