Loons shut out by Wizards

Jeremy Hefner fired six shutout innings, allowing three hits, and three of his bullpen mates combined for three perfect relief innings, as the Fort Wayne Wizards won their second straight game over the Loons Monday by a count of 4-0.

Hefner (9-4) struck out six in six frames, walking one. Matt Teague hurled the seventh inning, striking out one. Aaron Breit followed and worked the eighth, also striking out one. Bryan Oland did not allow a base runner in the ninth inning.

The Loons, who entered play second in the Midwest League in fielding percentage, committed three errors in the game. With Francisco Lizarraga suffering from an injured hand, Brandon Taylor made the switch to shortstop and Eduardo Perez played third base for the first time this season with the Loons.

Juan Cedeno (0-1) made his second start for the Loons and surrendered three runs in four innings, with two runs charged as earned.

In the first inning, Justin Baum blooped a single in front of right fielder Jovanny Rosario, to plate Fort Wayne’s first run of the game. They added a run in the second on an error by Taylor, then a run in the third on a bases loaded walk by Cedeno to Andy Parrino. A second unearned run was scored by Fort Wayne in the seventh.

Andrew Lambo, celebrating his 20th birthday, Perez, and Yossandy Garcia recorded the Loons’ three hits.

The Loons conclude their four-game series in Fort Wayne with day baseball Tuesday at noon. Right-hander Given Kutz (3-4, 4.13 ERA) will start for the Loons. His opponent will be righty Jeremy McBryde (6-7, 4.56)