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West Michigan Whitecaps

Whitecaps Fall Just Short in 5-3 Loss

September 1, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps got trapped in an early hole and never recovered as they fell to the South Bend Cubs, their future first-round playoff opponent, by a score of 5-3 Thursday at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Cubs infielder Vimael Machin propelled South Bend to a 4-0 lead by scoring on a second-inning sacrifice fly by Adonis Paula, then drove in two more an inning later with a two-run single. South Bend took a 5-2 lead into the ninth inning when the Cubs gave the 'Caps an opportunity to rally by drawing four walks in the frame. Down 5-3 with the bases loaded, Cam Gibson struck out on a 3-2 pitch the end the contest, and give the Cubs a win in the middle game of a three-game series.

Whitecaps starting pitcher Kyle Dowdy (10-3) still gave his team 5.2 innings, but allowed all five Cubs runs to take his third loss of the year. Jose Paulino (3-1) earned his third win with five solid frames of one-run baseball while striking out seven. South Bend reliever Jared Cheek struck out Gibson to end the contest and pick up his fourth save of the season. The Whitecaps fall to 69-62 overall and 30-34 in the second half. The Cubs improve their record to 81-54 overall, and 40-26 in the second half standings. Brett Pirtle reached base in all four of his plate appearances, highlighted by two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI in a losing cause. The 'Caps are scheduled to meet South Bend in a best-of-three first round playoff series September 7 at Fifth Third Ballpark.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps face the South Bend Cubs in the final regular season game from Fifth Third Ballpark Friday night at 7:00p.m. 'Caps Pitcher Beau Burrows is scheduled to make his first start against South Bend, and will face off against right Adbert Alzolay. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Steve Lloyd-Jones begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:50p.m. Tickets can be reserved for Friday's game, or tickets to the 2016 Midwest League Playoffs by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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