Fresh Futures Game, Morales Dominates in Lugs’ ​​Loss

July 19, 2024 – Midwest League (MWL)
Lansing Lugnuts press release

LANSING, Mich. – Luis Morales struck out six in 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his first game back at the All-Star Futures Game, but the Great Lakes Loons (9-12, 43-44) hit three homers out of the bullpen to beat Morales’ Lansing Lugnuts (10-12, 42-45) 4-2 on Friday night at Jackson® Field™.

The result ended the Lugnuts’ four-game winning streak, equaling their season record.

Sam Mongelli broke the scoreless deadlock with a two-out solo homerun in the fifth inning off Luis Carrasco, Josue De Paula hit another two-run homerun two batters later and Chris Newell led off the ninth with a solo somersault off Hunter Breault, spoiling a nice comeback by the Nuts’ 21-year-old starting hitter from Arlington, Texas.

Morales is the organization’s best pitcher and was the A’s lone representative at the Futures Game on July 13. He distinguished himself by going 2/3 innings with no runs or hits, hitting 99 mph, retiring two batters, recording an HBP and walking a batter.

He played excellently in his first appearance after returning, striking out Newell at the end of the first inning, Jake Gelof at the end of the second, Sam Mongelli and Josue De Paul sandwiching the third inning, and Thayron Liranzo and Dylan Cambell leading off the fourth inning after he walked Newell.

But the Lugnuts’ offense was unable to beat Loons starter Patrick Copen and a trio of relievers, save for a two-run double by Cameron Masterman in the sixth inning.

In the loss, the A’s 2023 second-round pick Ryan Lasko, the No. 15 prospect in the organization, started in center field and batted second, finishing 1-for-4 with a single. Third baseman Luke Mann added a pair of singles and a walk in four plate appearances, and first baseman Will Simpson went 2-for-4 with two singles of his own.

The middle game of the three-game miniseries will feature a Tyler Soderstrom Bobblehead Giveaway at Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame Night, featuring postgame LAFCU Fireworks. Right-hander Mitch Myers will start at 7:05 p.m. against Loons left-hander Jackson Ferris. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaques scheduled for approximately 6:45 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit milb.com/lansing or call (517) 485-4500.

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