MWL West Michigan Whitecaps

'Caps Burned by Dragons in Extras

Published on May 27, 2022 under Midwest League (MWL)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI -The West Michigan Whitecaps fell in a pitching duel as defensive heroics and a clutch home run powered the Dayton Dragons to a 3-0 victory in 11 innings on Friday night at LMCU Ballpark.

Detroit Tigers No. 9 prospect and Whitecaps starter Dylan Smith enjoyed his longest start, striking out seven batters (tying his single-game high) through six shutout innings while allowing just one hit. Meanwhile, Dragons starter Connor Phillips tossed 6.2 shutout frames with six strikeouts in the longest start for any Dayton pitcher this season.

Both teams threatened to score early, as the Dragons left a runner stranded on third base in the first inning before Ben Malgeri was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a single from Corey Joyce, 0-0. The 'Caps couldn't advance a runner past first base after the third inning, while Jack O'Loughlin, Hendry Nunez, and Gabe Sequeira surrendered just three hits through the last three innings to send us into extra innings tied at 0-0.

Neither team was able to strike in the 10th inning, as the Dragons were set down in order before a sparkling diving catch by Dayton outfielder Allan Cerda helped the Dragons escape the bottom half and kept the score 0-0. Dayton finally scored in the top of the 11th inning as a throwing error scored Jose Torres before Hinds blasted a two-run homer to make it a 3-0 Dragons lead. West Michigan had runners at second and third base with just one out in the bottom half before Joyce popped out, and Cruz struck out to end the Whitecaps hopes and send Dayton to a 3-0 victory.

Dragons reliever Donovan Benoit (1-0) secures his first win, throwing three shutout innings with a strikeout as Jack Anderson (0-1) suffers the loss in his High-A debut, allowing three runs in the 11th. The Dragons improve to 29-13 as the 'Caps fall to 19-24. With his six innings pitched, Smith now owns the longest start of any Whitecap this season.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps battle the Dayton Dragons in the penultimate game of this six-game series at LMCU Ballpark Saturday at 6:35 pm. Detroit Tigers Top-10 Prospect Ty Madden gets the start for the Whitecaps against Christian Roa for Dayton. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2022 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from May 27, 2022


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