Each ML organization approaches the need/mix of development and winning differently. It’s dang near impossible to discern what your favorite team’s m.o on any given day. Managers are forced to make pitching decisions that on the surface make no sense. At some point in the season, relievers are going to be inserted in games that they are ill-prepared for. Likewise, managers have to build up players’ confidence-even when it means losing a game.

In yesterday’s second game, the Loons had an 8-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th inning. I’ll describe how they arrived there a little later. But for purposes of my thesis. Great Lakes manager, Jair Fernandez inserted reliever Joel Ibarra in the 7th after starter, Peter Heubeck (5 innings of 2-hit shutout ball. He also had 8 K’s and 3 BB’s-pictured below) and reliever, Kelvin Bautista (1 inning of one-hit, 3K) bamboozled Lansing. Ibarra’s last outing was on the 9th when he allowed four earned runs in 1/3 of an inning. I’m sure Fernandez thought the 8-run cushion was enough to withstand Hurricane Joel.

Ibarra did everything he could to not inspire confidence. He walked the first batter, allowed a single to the next hitter-who was retired via a double play. It all went downhill from there. He hit the next batter and walked the following batter to load the bases for Henry Bolte. who he beaned to force in the first run. It should be noted that Ibarra couldn’t find home plate. Will Simpson(picture) hit the first pitch he saw for a 5,238-foot grand slam. Ibarra threw him a fat one after all the wildness.

Just like that it was 8-5 and all that the Loons accomplished looked like it was for nought. And after allowing two baserunners, Brandon Neeck secured the save on a weak grounder to second.

The 6-9 Great Lakes hitters accounted for 7 runs, including a 3-3 day from left fielder, Luis Rodriguez. Each of the balls they hit to the gaps went for extra base hits. I don’t think the Lugnuts had any idea what was happening. Rodriguez’s homer to center was a perfect example.

I should also note that it was a “dog day” at the park. I spent most of the second game shooting from the third base/left field line and enjoyed sitting with Loons fans. It was probably 15 degrees warmer for the second game. It was nice to spend five hours at a ballpark and see two, seven inning games.

While the Lugnuts have a vocal fanbase, I was surprised that the fans sitting along the third base line had very little interaction with the manager/third base coach, Craig Conklin.

Despite a few setbacks, I’m glad to have checked off another MWL ballpark and city.