Clinton mistake opens door for Ramirez heroics
June 30, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK - Wilkin Ramirez delivered a walk-off, bases loaded single in the bottom of the ninth to give West Michigan a 3-2 win over Clinton.
The stage was set for Ramirez after Jeff Frazier led off the ninth with a single. Then starting pitcher Andy Walker threw a pick-off try past first and into the Whitecaps bullpen, which allowed Frazier to move to third.
Luis Sabino and Jody Roughton were then intentionally walked to load the bases. At that point, Ramirez was inserted as a pinch-hitter.
It is only the second time this season that the Whitecaps have won three games in a row. The first run was April 17-19.
Clinton grabbed a 2-0 lead on single runs in the second and third. Jim Fasano delivered an RBI hit in the second and Brandon Boggs led off the third with a towering home run down the right field line.
West Michigan cut the lead in half in the fourth, thanks to an error on Fasano. Sabino tripled with two out, then Roughton hit the ball past Fasano and down the right field line. The lead was shaved to 2-1.
In the sixth inning, Sabino delivered a game tying single to score Nick McIntyre. Sabino finished 2-for-3.
Josh Rainwater pitched the first seven innings for West Michigan and Ed Clelland threw the final two innings to earn the victory.
It was the fourth walk-off win of the season for West Michigan.
Out of Order: Clinton right fielder Andrew Wishy and designated hitter Ben Harrison batted in reverse order in the second inning, but when Wishy singled to lead off the fifth, Whitecaps manager matt Walbeck called the umpires' attention to the error. Wishy had hit in Harrison's place, so Harrison was ruled out and Wishy had to bat again. On the second try, Rainwater retired Wishy on a strikeout. The pair batted in the correct order for the remainder of the game (Harrison 7th and Wishy 8th). A last minute change to the line up had been made by Clinton manager Carlos Subero, which likely led to the confusion.
Looking for Four: West Michigan try to win four in a row for the first time this year on Friday against the Lumberkings.
Midwest League Stories from June 30, 2005
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- Dragons Win Thriller Over Snappers 4-3 - Dayton Dragons
- Late run dooms Snappers - Beloit Sky Carp
- Clinton mistake opens door for Ramirez heroics - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Cougars get new man behind the plate - Kane County Cougars
- Whitecaps Ostlund promoted to Lakeland - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Johnston added to Fort Wayne roster - Fort Wayne TinCaps
- Devil Rays return home Monday - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
- Chiefs set to celebrate holiday weekend with fireworks - Peoria Chiefs
- LumberKings top Bees, 7-6 - Clinton LumberKings
- Lugnuts open eight-game trip with roster moves - Lansing Lugnuts
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