Power Pitching

June 25, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Dominating pitching from Brayan Villarreal and Victor Larez led the way for the West Michigan Whitecaps to shutout the Great Lakes Loons, 4-0, on Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. The game marked the first time this season that Great Lakes has been shut out.

Brayan Villarreal made just his third start of the year, and he pitched brilliantly through four innings. Villarreal did not allow a run on 4 hits, only 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts. He left in the fifth because of a maximum pitch count.

Victor Larez (4-4) took over with one out in the fifth inning and worked the rest of the game for his fourth win. Larez struck out 4 over 4.2 innings, not walking any batters, and giving up just 1 hit.

The Whitecaps put their first two runs on the board in the second inning. Two errors in the inning by Loons' second baseman Jaime Pedroza proved critical. Avisail Garcia's infield single and Pedroza's throwing error on the play led to Jordan Lennerton and Joe Bowen crossing the plate for the ‘Caps.

In the fourth, the Whitecaps got back-to-back doubles from Ben Guez and Joe Bowen to up their lead to 3-0.

West Michigan increase the lead to 4-0 in the sixth on Ben Guez's RBI single that scored Billy Nowlin.

Great Lakes' starter Bobby Blevins threw well over all. He lasted 5.0 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, and 5 strikeouts. The loss evened his overall record to 5-5.

Ben Guez led the hitting attack with 2 hits. Seven other Whitecaps had one hit apiece.

Game two of the series is a ‘Wendy's Tiger Friday' at Fifth Third Ballpark. Dave Bergman is scheduled to be at the park, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive ‘Dave Bergman Bobbleheads'. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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