Whitecaps Win Wild One with Wisconsin

May 5, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps fought back from an early deficit to defeat the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 5-3 in front of 2,394 fans Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Timber Rattlers opened the scoring with a two-run double by Jake Gatewood in the first inning, but the Whitecaps answered in the bottom of the frame. An RBI-double by Will Allen and a two-run single by Jose Azocar gave the 'Caps a 3-2 lead after an inning of play. In the third, a run-scoring single by Will Maddox increased West Michigan's lead to 4-2. In the fifth, the teams traded runs on an RBI-single by Timber Rattlers first baseman Mitch Ghelfi, followed by Rashad Brown's run-scoring double to give the 'Caps a 5-3 lead, ending the scoring in the contest. The sixth inning featured Whitecaps first baseman Will Allen making a phenomenal catch flipping over the railing near the first base dugout to end the frame.

Whitecaps starting pitcher Jordan Smith (3-0) earned his third victory of the season despite giving up nine hits, but limiting Wisconsin to just three runs. Timber Rattlers starter Jordan Yamamoto (0-2) suffered his second loss for giving up all five Whitecaps runs in five innings. The Whitecaps bullpen was sensational Thursday, as southpaw Trent Szkutnik and closer Gerson Moreno tossed four hitless innings. Moreno's perfect ninth earned the right-hander his third save of the season. The Whitecaps improve to 13-12, while the Timber Rattlers fall to 13-15. Rashad Brown led the 'Caps offense, going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI in the contest. The native of Atlanta, GA, has eight hits in his last twelve at-bats during the month of May.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps continue this series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Fifth Third Ballpark Friday night at 7:00p.m. Whitecaps southpaw Matt Hall takes the mound against Timber Rattlers pitcher Jon Perrin. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Mike Coleman begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:50pm. Tickets can be reserved for Friday's game, and any 2016 home contest by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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