MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Two-Out Rallies Lead To Bounceback Win

Published on August 20, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps battled back from an early deficit to plate five unanswered runs on their way to a 5-2 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Monday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (28-28, 64-62) pulled within 2.5 games of a second-half playoff berth with the victory, improving to 11-7 against Great Lakes (24-32, 58-68) this season heading into their final match-up on Tuesday. The Whitecaps have won nine of their 12 meetings against the Loons since the start of June.

The 'Caps were able to string together a number of two-out rallies on Monday, putting 12 of their 14 baserunners aboard after two outs had already been recorded.

Trailing 2-0, Eugenio Suarez drew what appeared to be a harmless walk with the bases empty and two outs in the third. But Aaron Westlake followed with a single and Jeff McVaney added a double to left-center that brought Suarez home to put the 'Caps on the scoreboard. Jason King then stepped up and yanked a two-run double to left, giving the home team a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish.

In the fourth, the bases were empty with two outs when Loons' starter Greg Wilborn issued three consecutive walks. Westlake followed by stroking a two-run single to center as West Michigan stretched their advantage to 5-2.

That capped a 2-for-4, two-RBI day for Westlake.

The Whitecaps bullpen took it from there. After serving up 13 runs and 19 hits - both season-highs - on Sunday, the pitching staff bounced back on Monday with a stingy effort.

Starter Tommy Collier allowed two early runs over three innings, but Brennan Smith and Jade Todd combined to fire off six scoreless frames the rest of the way.

Making a scheduled piggyback appearance, Smith (3-4) scattered five hits - all singles - over 4.2 shutout innings to earn the win. After inducing a rally-killing double play in the eighth, he was replaced by Todd due to pitch count.

Todd (2) made quick work of all four batters he faced to earn the save with a perfect appearance.

Wilborn (2-2) took the loss for Great Lakes, allowing five runs on four hits and five walks over four innings of work.

With just seven home games remaining in the regular season, the Whitecaps continue their homestand at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night with the finale of a four-game series against the Great Lakes Loons. LHP Kyle Ryan (6-7, 4.10) is scheduled to take the hill for West Michigan against RHP Duke von Schamann (3-4, 3.16) of Great Lakes on the final Dime Dog Night of the season featuring 10-cent hot dogs! Group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 20, 2012


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