'Caps Rough Start Continues
May 24, 2019 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
SOUTH BEND, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps stumbled to their third consecutive loss, and eighth in their last nine games as part of a 4-0 loss to the South Bend Cubs in front of a crowd of 5,265 fans Friday night at Four Winds Field.
The Whitecaps record falls to 18-29, which ranks as their worst record through the first 47 games of a season since they went 17-30 to begin the 2010 season. Friday's final marked the third time the "Caps had been shut out in a contest this season.
The Cubs got on the board early and often on Friday night, as a bunt-single by Rafael Narea led to a throwing error by Smith, allowing South Bend to score the first run of the contest and take a 1-0 lead. An inning later, Smith walked the first two batters he faced before giving up a run-scoring bloop single by Delvin Zinn and issuing a wild pitch to allow Cole Roederer to score as part of a three-run third to extend the Cubs lead to 4-0.
Meanwhile, Thompson was dominating through six innings of scoreless baseball for South Bend, allowing just three hits and no walks while striking out six. The Whitecaps lone extra-base hit was a two-out triple by shortstop Wenceel Perez in the third and did not have multiple baserunners at any point during the contest. Smith (0-1) took his first loss in his professional debut, throwing just 2.2 innings and giving up four runs on four hits while walking four and striking out three. The 6'10" Smith battled issues with command but limited hard contact despite giving up four runs on three hits as West Michigan's offense went quiet against South Bend starter Riley Thompson (3-2) throughout the night, who picked up the win in for the Cubs. With the win, South Bend improves to 25-21 in 2019. The Whitecaps tied a season-high by committing three errors for the second-straight game.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue this four-game series against the South Bend Cubs on Saturday at 7:05 pm. Cubs pitcher Brailyn Marquez is scheduled to start for the Cubs. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps starter is to be determined. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55 pm. Tickets are available for any Whitecaps 2019 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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