Lansing Lugnuts RHP Justin Maese struck out 12 batters in seven innings Wednesday. (Photo by Kyle Castle/Lansing Lugnuts)

It wasn’t his best overall start of the season, but Lansing Lugnuts right-hander Justin Maese pitched well enough to win — and strike out a dozen Lake County Captains batters in the process.

Maese gave up four runs on seven hits in seven innings Wednesday, but still got the win in Lansing’s 5-4 victory over Lake County. The game was called after seven innings because of rain.

In addition to striking out 12 batters, Maese didn’t walk anyone. He is now 5-2 with a 4.21 ERA, 49 strikeouts and 16 walks in 57.2 innings/nine starts this season. He has pitched three complete games.

The Lansing offense was led by Bo Bichette, who went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a run batted in. He also was hit by a pitch. His .371 batting average leads the Midwest League, while his .448 on-base average and .580 slugging percentage rank second in the circuit.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in two runs for the Lugnuts. His .346 batting average ranks second in the league, and his .445 on-base percentage ranks third. His .537 slugging percentage is tied for fifth-best in the league.

Duplantier’s ERA leads pros

Kane County Cougars RHP Jon Duplantier turned in another stellar performance Wednesday, giving up only three hits in six scoreless innings against the Burlington Bees. He struck out two and walked none.

Duplantier dropped his ERA to 0.56 in 48.1 innings (nine games/eight starts) this season, which leads all of professional baseball. He is 5-0 with 56 strikeouts and 11 walks, has a 0.72 WHIP, and opponents have a .149 batting average against him.

Bees starting pitcher Andrew Vinson took the loss despite giving up only one unearned run, one hit and one walk in five innings. He lowered his ERA to 5.93 in 30.1 innings/seven starts this season.

Kane County Cougars RHP Jon Duplantier leads professional baseball with a 0.56 ERA. (Photo by Rikk Carlson)

Another sharp start for Santillan

Dayton Dragons RHP Tony Santillan gave up only two hits and one walk in eight shutout innings against the Great Lakes Loons on Wednesday, in his first start since taking a perfect game into the 7th inning against the Bowling Green Hot Rods last Friday.

The scoreless game was suspended after 13 innings due to rain, and will be resumed Thursday morning.

Santillan is 2-2 with a 2.35 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 19 walks in 53.2 innings/10 starts this season.

Cincinnati Reds prospect Tony Santillan has a 2.35 ERA in 10 starts this season. (Dayton Dragons photo)