Belen Blasts Away Whitecaps

May 21, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

FORT WAYNE, IN - Carlos Belen's tiebreaking two-run homer was the difference as the Fort Wayne Tincaps defeated the West Michigan Whitecaps 7-3 Saturday at Parkview Field.

The 'Caps were forced to play catch-up throughout the contest, as Fort Wayne jumped out to a 2-0 first-inning lead on run-scoring singles by Belen and Michael Gettys. In the second, RBI-singles from Leo Laffita and Derek Hill helped West Michigan tie the game. Gettys plated another run with a single in the third, and the score would remain tied until late in the game. In the seventh, Laffita led off the inning with a line-drive home run to left to tie the score at three. The home run was just the fourth Whitecaps homer this season, but second in the last two days, as David Gonzalez launched a solo shot of his own on Friday. In the bottom of the inning, Belen launched a mammoth two-run shot to break the tie and give Fort Wayne a 5-3 edge. Belen's home run was measured at 440 feet, and left the ballpark at 113 miles per hour.

TinCaps pitcher Nick Monroe (2-1) earned his second win after allowing a run in two frames, while Whitecaps reliever Jon Maciel (2-2) allowed Belen's home run and took his second loss. The 'Caps record falls to 21-18, while Fort Wayne improves to 22-20. Hill and Laffita each record three hits to lead West Michigan's offense. Hill also made an outstanding diving catch to end the third inning to take away a two-run double from TinCaps first baseman Brad Zunica.

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