Loons pound Whitecaps

The Great Lakes Loons pushed across 11 runs in the fourth inning, the highest single-inning scoring output in franchise history, en route to a convincing 12-1 victory Thursday over the West Michigan Whitecaps in the final road game of the 2008 season.

Alfredo Silverio blasted a grand slam to begin the Loons’ scoring in the fourth inning. It was the Loons’ first grand slam of the season and third in franchise history. In the inning, the Loons sent 15 batters to the plate and recorded 10 hits. West Michigan committed two errors in the inning.

The Loons’ previous single-inning franchise high in runs was seven scored in the fourth inning, June 3, 2007 in South Bend. The 11 runs in one inning was also the most runs ever allowed in a single inning at home by West Michigan in the franchise’s 15 seasons. It tied the franchise high for runs allowed in an inning, which was set in 1996.

Kieran Mattison (1-0) made his Loons’ debut with six shutout innings en route to the victory. The 28-year-old right-hander was appearing Fifth Third Ballpark for the first time since the 2003 Midwest League All-Star Game, when he was a member of the Burlington Bees.

Blake Brannon pitched the final three innings for his first save of the year.

Silverio finished the game with three hits – the grand slam and two doubles – two runs and was a triple shy of the cycle. Jovanny Rosario recorded two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Parker Dalton, Jessie Mier and Yossandy Garcia also recorded multi-hit games.

The Loons begin their final homestand of the season with four games at Dow Diamond against the Fort Wayne Wizards. The first game of the series begins at 7 p.m. Friday night. Right-hander Justin Miller (4-11, 3.94 ERA) will start for the Loons against righty Corey Kluber (3-3, 3.24).