MWL Fort Wayne TinCaps

Fort Wayne Earns Sixth Consecutive Win, 5-2

Published on July 7, 2023 under Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


FORT WAYNE, Ind. - TinCaps' first baseman Nathan Martorella (No. 23 Padres prospect) racked up three RBIs on three hits Friday night, giving Fort Wayne its sixth straight victory, 5-2, over the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate) in front of a sellout crowd of 7,420 at Parkview Field. The six-game streak is the longest for the TinCaps since June 24-28, 2018. It was also the seventh sellout crowd of the year.

Starting pitcher Ryan Bergert (No. 24 Padres prospect) tossed five excellent innings, allowing just one earned run and struck out five with no walks for a second consecutive start. Left-handed pitcher Bodi Rascon, pitching in relief rather than starting for the first time this season, cleaned up the final four innings and struck out four to record a 12-out save.

The Whitecaps (5-8, 37-41) scored in the top of the first on a two-out single by center fielder Brady Allen, giving West Michigan a brief lead, 1-0.

But Fort Wayne (10-3, 42-37) immediately responded with third baseman Marcos Castañon's solo shot in the bottom of the first. It was Castañon's 12th homer of the year, which is tied for the most on the team and fourth-most in the Midwest League.

Then in the second, the TinCaps played long ball again, with second baseman Graham Pauley (No. 30 Padres prospect) going yard to right center. That gave Fort Wayne a one-run lead.

The TinCaps extended the lead again in the third on another two-out hit, this time by Martorella, scoring catcher Anthony Vilar.

They added two more runs in the fifth, again courtesy of Martorella, driving in both shortstop Nerwilian Cedeño (No. 12 Padres prospect) and Castañon.

West Michigan's only other run came in the top of the sixth when Allen blasted a solo homer, making it 5-2.

This was TV Sitcom Night, featuring an appearance by actress Kate Flannery, who played Meredith Palmer on The Office. In addition to meeting with fans, she also threw out the ceremonial first pitch and participated in a between-innings promotion.

The TinCaps last won seven games in a row in August of 2015, when the club won 10 straight.

Next Game: Saturday, July 8 vs. West Michigan (6:35 p.m.)

TinCaps Probable Starter: LHP Robby Snelling (No. 4 Padres prospect)

Whitecaps Probable Starter: RHP Troy Melton

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Midwest League Stories from July 7, 2023


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