'Caps top Lugnuts, 5 wins in a row
April 27, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - All good things come to those who wait, and such was the case for the West Michigan Whitecaps (13-3) in Monday night's 5-1 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (3-13). A two hour rain delay caused the two teams to begin play late for the second straight day, but the Caps emerged with their thirteenth win of the season and their best start in franchise history.
Having dealt with heavy rain for three games in a row now, the Whitecaps poured on the runs in the third inning, sending 8 men to the plate. A bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Brandon Douglas scored the first run. Then 3B Ronnie Bourquin laced a triple to left to bring home Luis Palacios and Chao-Ting Tang. Bryan Pounds followed with an RBI hit, and the Whitecaps led Lansing, 4-0.
West Michigan starter Luke Putkonen (1-0) was masterful. He threw 6 innings of 2 hit ball, walking 2 and striking out 4 for his first win of the year. Anthony Shawler came on for 2 innings of shutout relief, and new comer Tyler Conn saw an inning of action.
Caps catcher Joe Bowen came through with a clutch, two-out single in the sixth to plate Billy Nowlin and make the score, 5-0.
Lansing put together a run in the ninth when C Jon Talley's RBI double scored Yoherman Chavez.
Lugnut starter Henderson Alvarez took the loss. He worked 6 innings, surrending 8 hits, and 5 earned runs.
Joe Bowen had two hits for the Whitecaps. Billy Nowlin (2B) and Ronnie Bourquin (3B) each had an extra-base hit.
For the second straight game, the Whitecaps will honor Monday's game ticket for the last home game in April or any home game in May due to the rain delay.
The Whitecaps go for the sweep, Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m., at Fifth Third Ballpark.
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Midwest League Stories from April 27, 2009
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- Bandits-Chief Double Header Schedules for May 12 - Quad Cities River Bandits
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- Dragons Postponed on Monday - Dayton Dragons
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- Cougars Pounce Beloit - Kane County Cougars
- Lugnuts' Chavez Named MWL Batter of the Week - Lansing Lugnuts
- Dragons Matt Fairel Named MWL Pitcher of the Week - Dayton Dragons
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