Fort Wayne TinCaps (38-19, 70-55) vs. Lansing Lugnuts (26-30, 68-58)
RHP Chris Huffman (8-6, 3.03) vs. RHP Tom Robson (0-1, 3.71)
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 — Parkview Field — First Pitch 7:05 p.m. — Game 126
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The TinCaps matched a franchise record for consecutive home wins as they topped the Lugnuts, 5-3. After Lansing took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, Fort Wayne tied it in the home half and went in front with a 3-run fourth. They traded a run each from there.
FRANCHISE RECORD: The TinCaps have won 15 games in a row at Parkview Field since July 17. This has tied a franchise record set June 6-July 15, 2009. The ‘09 TinCaps went on to win the MWL title and have since produced a Class A record 20 big leaguers.
MAGIC NUMBERS: With 13 games remaining in the regular season, the TinCaps have a magic number of 5 to clinch a playoff spot and a magic number of 10 to win the Eastern Division. Fort Wayne hasn’t finished atop the table since 2009. See full standings below.
STAYING HOT: The TinCaps have won 9 series in a row overall and are 22-4 over their last 26 games. Over the last 15 series at Parkview Field, Fort Wayne is 13-0-2, and has won 6 straight home series.
PITCHING WINS: The TinCaps are 18-4 this month thanks in large part to a 2.23 ERA — the lowest in the MWL for August.
SURGING SANTOS: First baseman Trae Santos had 2 hits Tuesday, including a solo home run. The 22-year-old leads the TinCaps in doubles (29), home runs (12), RBIs (55), total bases (171), walks (53), and games (119). In the MWL, he ranks 3rd in 2B, T5th HR, T9th RBIs, 6th BB, 6th OBP, 5th OPS, and T3rd G.
CORDERO CATCHING FIRE: Franchy Cordero has hit safely in 9 consecutive games — his longest hitting streak in more than 2 years. Cordero’s current batting average of .241 has been higher only once this year. That was on April 23, when he started the day hitting .256. (The longest hitting streak of the 20-year-old’s career, 10 games, came in the Arizona League in July 2013.)
MWL EASTERN DIVISION SECOND HALF PLAYOFF PICTURE
Place Team W-L GB GB WC Streak
1. FORT WAYNE 38-19 — — W2
2. West Michigan 34-23 4.0 — W1
3. South Bend 29-28 9.0 5.0 L1
4. Lake County28-29 10.0 6.0 L2
5. Bowling Green 27-29 10.5 6.5 W1
6. Lansing* 26-30 11.5 7.5 L2
7. Dayton 26-30 11.5 7.5 W3
8. Great Lakes** 24-32 13.5 9.5 L1
* First Half Division Winner ** First Half Wild Card Winner
