Whitecaps Strike Early in 8-3 Win
April 28, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The West Michigan Whitecaps scored early and often as part of an 8-3 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels Wednesday night at Perfect Game Field.
The Whitecaps and Kernels traded runs in the first and second innings Wednesday. 'Caps infielder Will Allen opened the scoring with a two-out RBI double for a brief 1-0 lead. Cedar Rapids evened the score in the bottom of the frame as shortstop Jermaine Palacios drew a walk and scored on a double play off the bat of outfielder Rafael Valera. In the second, Whitecaps outfielder Jose Azocar started the inning with a triple and scored during a groundout by third baseman Steven Fuentes to give West Michigan a 2-1 edge. In the bottom of the inning, Cedar Rapids outfielder J.J. Fernandez launched his first home run of the season to tie the score at two.
The Whitecaps broke open the game with a four-run outburst with two outs in the third to take a 6-2 lead. Azocar started the rally with an RBI-single, Fuentes followed with a two-run triple and later scored on David Gonzalez's run-scoring single. Allen and catcher Shane Zeile each drove in runs in the fourth inning to stretch the 'Caps lead to 8-2.
Whitecaps starter Jordan Smith (2-0) allowed three runs in five innings to pick up his second victory of the season, while Kernels pitcher Andro Cutura (2-1) gave up all eight runs in four frames to take his first loss of 2016. Allen led West Michigan's offense with three hits and a pair of runs batted in.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps conclude this three-game series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels with a Thursday night matchup at 7:35p.m. Fernando Perez gets the start for West Michigan against Kernels pitcher Sam Gibbons. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 7:25p.m. Tickets can be reserved for any 2016 home contest by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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- Whitecaps Strike Early in 8-3 Win - West Michigan Whitecaps
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