MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Caps Fall, Battle For First Place Looms

June 12, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


MIDLAND, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps remain one win away from clinching a playoff berth after Thursday night's 6-2 loss against the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond.

The West Michigan (39-28) loss combined with Dayton's series sweep over Bowling Green leaves the Whitecaps' magic number to clinch a playoff berth at one with three games remaining in the first half.

The 'Caps also remain a half-game behind South Bend for first place, meaning that the Midwest League's Eastern Division title will be determined by the series winner of the three-game set between West Michigan and South Bend that begins on Friday night.

The Whitecaps had a plethora of opportunities on Thursday but stranded 10 men on base, including runners in scoring position during four of their last five innings. They left 33 runners on base during the three-game series and lost two of the three games.

West Michigan initially took a lead in the top of the third. Javier Betancourt split the gap in right-center with an RBI triple and scored on an infield single by Raph Rhymes for a 2-0 advantage.

But the lead quickly disappeared.

Just three pitches into the bottom of the third, Dillon Moyer doubled down the left field line to score Malcolm Holland all the way from first. He scored two batters later on a flare-single by Jacob Scavuzzo that evened the game at 2-2.

Josmar Cordero cracked a solo homer in the fourth to put the Loons ahead and Great Lakes slowly built their lead over the ensuing innings. Paul Hoenecke doubled home a run in the fifth and added a homer in the seventh as the lead grew to 6-2.

Most of the damage was done against Buck Farmer (6-5), who was roughed up for five runs on 10 hits over 6.1 innings. He struck out five and issued one walk but gave up career-highs in earned runs and hits.

Jonathan Martinez (5-5) earned the win with five solid innings. He was charged with two runs on five hits, limiting all of the Whitecaps' runs to the third-inning rally. Following his departure, three Great Lakes relievers combined to blank West Michigan over the final four innings of the game.

The Whitecaps now turn their attention to the South Bend Silver Hawks, opening a three-game series that will determine the first-half MWL-East champ on Friday night at 7:35 p.m. All-Star RHP Austin Kubitza (6-0, 2.08) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against RHP Sean Furney (2-2, 5.12) of South Bend. Following the road trip, the Whitecaps will host the 2014 Midwest League All-Star Classic at Fifth Third Ballpark on Tuesday, June 17. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. with pre-game festivities before the 7:00 p.m. game. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics



Midwest League Stories from June 12, 2014


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