Crawford, Lugnuts coast past Whitecaps, 7-1

LANSING, Mich. – Evan Crawford allowed only one run in eight outstanding innings and the Lansing Lugnuts (19-14) coasted to a quick 7-1 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps (11-22) on a Grand Slam School Day at Cooley Law School Stadium.
Crawford (2-1) served up a Wade Gaynor solo home run in the first inning -- and then locked down the Whitecaps order. The left-hander gave up only a trio of singles and a walk while lowering his ERA to 2.61.
West Michigan starter Jade Todd (0-5) fared worse, reached for nine hits and seven runs (six earned) in 5 2/3 innings.
Right fielder Chris Hopkins led the charge from the ninth slot in the batting order, collecting three hits and four RBIs. A.J. Jimenez and Balbino Fuenmayor each scored a pair of runs, as the Lugnuts went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
The game was played in a neat two hours and eight minutes, the Nuts' shortest game of the season.
Lansing next heads out for a seven-game, eight-day road-trip beginning with an 8:05 p.m. game on Thursday night at Bowling Green. Right-hander Chad Jenkins (2-2, 3.68) will start for the Lugnuts against Hot Rods right-hander Jason McEachern (1-2, 5.65).
The Lugnuts return home on May 21st to open a seven-game homestand.