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West Michigan Whitecaps

The Pen Is Mightier in 2-1 Win

August 25, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


SOUTH BEND, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps displayed a playoff-caliber performance in a 2-1 win over the South Bend Cubs, their future playoff opponent Thursday night at Four Winds Field.

While the Whitecaps bullpen dominated in the late innings, Cam Gibson was largely responsible for the Whitecaps two-run second inning to take an early lead. The native of Novi, MI, plated Brett Pirtle with a run-scoring single to give West Michigan a 1-0 edge. Moments later, Gibson stole second base, then swiped third and scored on an errant throw from Cubs catcher Sam Tidabeck to give the 'Caps a 2-0 advantage. The score remained the same until the sixth, when Kyle Dowdy allowed his only run of the night when Vimael Machin delivered an RBI-single to bring the score to 2-1. In the eighth, reliever Drew Smith allowed a leadoff single to P.J. Higgins, but bounced back to strike out the side, including called third strikes to Tidabeck, and newly-anointed Midwest League MVP Eloy Jimenez. Zac Houston picked up where Smith left off in the ninth, striking out the side as well around a one-out walk to finish the contest and give West Michigan a split in this four-game series with the Cubs.

Dowdy (10-2) struck out eight in 5.2 innings allowing just one run in earning his team-high tenth victory of 2016, while Justin Steele (5-7) suffered his seventh loss of the season for allowing both 'Caps runs. Houston earned his third save of the season in relief, as West Michigan's pitching staff struck out a season-high 16 batters in the win.

The Whitecaps improve to 66-59 overall and 27-31 in the second half. The Cubs fall to 79-50 overall, and 38-22 in the second half standings. Cam Gibson led the Whitecaps at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance including a run scored, a triple and an RBI in the ballgame. Will Maddox finished 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in the contest, but failed to record a hit, holding his season total steady at 161 - just three behind 2014 Whitecaps outfielder and former Midwest League MVP Wynton Bernard (164). West Michigan will host South Bend to begin the Midwest League Playoffs at Fifth Third Ballpark on September 7.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps head to Fort Wayne for a four-game series against the TinCaps beginning Friday night at 7:05p.m. Pitcher Beau Burrows gets the start for the 'Caps against TinCaps righty and Padres top prospect Anderson Espinoza. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55p.m. There are only three more Whitecaps regular season home games at Fifth Third Ballpark in 2016. Tickets can be reserved or any of the remaining 2016 home contests by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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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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