Great Lakes return home and win Opener

The Great Lakes Loons return home and open with a 6-5 win over the Lake County Captains in front of a sell out crowd at the Dow Diamond.   5,467 fans took in a beautiful evening at the Midwest League game to see the Loons pull out the game in the bottom of the 8th inning.   Paul Hoenecke stroked a solo shot to put the Loons in the lead at 6-5 and seal the victory. 

Lake County the Cleveland Indians affiliate in the Midwest League are struggling this season the Loons need to get every victory over them to get back to .500.   The Loons are currently in 5th place in the Eastern Division and need to put together a streak off victories.  

Loon's President Paul Barbeau made a special announcement to the sell out crowd between innings.   Anybody who purchased tickets that evening at the ballpark would receive a 10 dollar gift card for each ticket purchased.  This would be for any game for the balance of the 2014 season.   The long lines then started on this great deal. 

Things are really starting to shape up around Dow Diamond with the East End Development coming in and the new parking lot being built right next door.  The fans were treated to a "Star Wars" evening and one of the regular fireworks that are put on through out the year. 

Great Lakes starter Greg Harris pitched 4.1 innings and gave up four earned runs but would strike out 9 batters and walk none.  Not a bad days work for the 19 year old Harris a 17th round pick from the 2013 draft.   The Loons play two more home games before hitting the road to play the West Michigan Whitecaps.