MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Bees' Pitching Stifles 'Caps

Published on July 29, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Ryan Wood's sacrifice fly in the seventh inning proved to be the winning run as the Burlington Bees beat the West Michigan Whitecaps, 3-1, on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. A game defined as a ‘pitchers' duel' for much of the night featured some outstanding defensive play by the Whitecaps but also a lack of clutch hitting. The series is tied at a game apiece.

Two talented right handers started Wednesday. ‘Caps right hander Luke Putkonen bounced back from a rough outing his last start to fire 6 innings of 4-hit ball. Putkonen allowed 1 run with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.

Burlington right hander Tim Melville was equally impressive. Just 19 years old, Melville lasted 5 innings, giving up 1 run on 4 hits, 2 walks and collecting 8 strikeouts. Neither pitcher figured in the decision.

The Bees opened the scoring with a run in the top of the third. Fernando Garcia doubled and was brought home by Adrian Ortiz's RBI ground out.

West Michigan tied the game in the home-half of the fourth inning. Brandon Douglas got aboard on a walk. Billy Nowlin double him to third, and Jordan Lennerton drove in Douglas with a sacrifice fly. That would be all the scoring the Whitecaps would get.

Woods' sacrifice fly in the seventh put Burlington ahead, 2-1, and David Wood helped add an insurance run in the eighth with a two-out solo home run for a 3-1 lead.

A key double play wiped out the ‘Caps' scoring chances in the eighth. West Michigan went down in order in the ninth.

Dusty Odenbach picks up his first win of his short season, and Louis Coleman gets his first save as they two combine for 4 innings of scoreless relief. Victor Larez takes the loss to fall to 4-6.

Gustavo Nunez was the only ‘Cap with more than 1 hit. He finished 2-4.

‘Caps' outfielder Luis Salas threw out two Bees' runners at the plate on back-to-back plays.

The Whitecaps were 0-8 with runners in scoring position.

The series finale is Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Game time is 7:00 p.m. EST for another Altogas ‘Thrifty Thursday'.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from July 29, 2009


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.

OurSports Central