MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Collier Fans 11 As Whitecaps Avoid Sweep

Published on July 9, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Tommy Collier was dominant on Monday afternoon, racking up a career-high 11 strikeouts as the West Michigan Whitecaps avoided a series sweep with a 6-1 win over the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Collier combined with relievers Slade Smith and Jade Todd on a three-hitter as West Michigan (9-9, 45-43) snapped a three-game losing streak. The only Lansing (10-8, 57-30) baserunner to advance past first base was Kevin Patterson, who led off the eighth inning with a solo home run after the Whitecaps had already built a comfortable 6-0 cushion.

Collier (7-6) earned the victory with a dazzling performance, striking out 11 of the 19 batters that he faced.

The 22-year-old Texan struck out the side in both the fourth and fifth innings and punched out nine of 12 batters at one point. Eight of Lansing's nine position players whiffed at least once against Collier, and three different Lugnuts struck out twice against the right-hander. His 11 punch-outs were the most by a Whitecaps' pitcher since Kevin Eichhorn fanned the same number in April of 2011.

Collier allowed just two singles over 5.2 sterling innings, retiring 17 of the 19 batters that he faced before being removed after 91 pitches.

The Whitecaps offense, meanwhile, scored more runs in Monday's win than they had accumulated in their three previous losses combined. Jeff McVaney led the way with a 3-for-4 game that included a double and an RBI, while Chad Wright and Eugenio Suarez had two hits apiece.

Jeff Holm started the scoring with a single to left that plated Aaron Westlake in the bottom of the second inning. In the third, Edgar Corcino added to the lead with triple to right-center that scored Wright all the way from first. The infield was in for the next batter, Suarez, who lined a base hit to right that made it a 3-0 game.

West Michigan doubled the lead with a rally in the sixth.

Suarez doubled to start the frame and scored when Jason Krizan ripped a two-base hit inside of the bag at first. McVaney followed with the third double of the inning, a liner to left that scored Krizan. Gabriel Purroy capped the rally with a single to left that drove home McVaney for a 6-0 advantage.

Anthony DeSclafani (6-3) allowed three runs on six hits over five innings to take the loss for Lansing.

The Whitecaps are off on Tuesday for the Major League All-Star break but will embark on a six-game road trip that begins on Wednesday night with an 8:00 p.m. ET first pitch against the Clinton LumberKings. RHP Marcelo Carreno (4-5, 3.32) is scheduled to take the hill for West Michigan against LHP Jordan Shipers (3-3, 3.50) of Clinton. The next home game at Fifth Third Ballpark is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, featuring Ronald McDonald Night and post-game fireworks. Group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from July 9, 2012


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