MWL West Michigan Whitecaps

'Caps Fall from First Place in 4-2 Loss

Published on May 17, 2023 under Midwest League (MWL)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


MIDLAND, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps bullpen ran into trouble for just one inning, but it was enough to lead to a 4-2 loss to the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond on Wednesday night, dropping them a game out of first place in the Midwest League Eastern Division.

After starting pitcher Wilkel Hernandez tossed 4.2 scoreless frames, a four-run sixth inning allowed the Loons to reclaim the division's top spot Wednesday.

The Whitecaps scored the contest's first run on an RBI groundout by Eliezer Alfonzo in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead, and the score remained that way into the late stages. In the sixth, reliever Cristhian Tortosa failed to retire a batter, giving up a leadoff double to Taylor Young before hitting Alex Freeland with a pitch. Tortosa walked the next two batters, including a game-tying bases-loaded free pass to Damon Keith to knot the score at one.

The 'Caps went back to their bullpen, summoning Tyler Mattison into a bases-loaded jam with none out, who issued a second bases-loaded walk - this time to Ismael Alcantara to give the Loons a 2-1 lead. Later in the frame, Loons outfielder Jake Vogel delivered a clutch two-run single to extend the lead and bring the Great Lakes edge to 4-1. Dillon Paulson's ninth-inning RBI-single brought the 'Caps deficit to 4-2, but the next two West Michigan hitters were retired to give the Loons the victory.

The 'Caps fall out of first place as their record falls to 21-14, while the Loons improve to 22-13. The Loons Orlando Ortiz (2-0) tossed the final four innings of relief to earn his second win, while Tortosa (1-2) allowed four runs in a third of an inning to take his second loss. Whitecaps outfielder Austin Murr went 2-for-3 in the contest with a walk and a pair of doubles in a losing cause.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps continue this six-game series with the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday at 6:05 pm. Pitcher Carlos Pena, featuring the lowest ERA in the Midwest League, gets the start for West Michigan against the Loons Ronan Kopp. Broadcast coverage withDan Hastybegins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 5:50 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now atwww.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from May 17, 2023


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