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Fort Wayne TinCaps

Fort Wayne Takes Home Opener over South Bend

April 12, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Fort Wayne TinCaps defeated the South Bend Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate), 5-3, on Opening Day at Parkview Field.

The TinCaps trailed early in the game due to three unearned runs allowed in the first inning to trail 3-0. Despite the deficit, Fort Wayne starter Noel Vela retired the next nine batters. The left-hander ended his outing with four innings and zero earned runs.

The TinCaps got on the board in the second inning with a Corey Rosier triple, his first extra-base hit as a TinCap. Rosier scored Ripken Reyes, who had walked before him.

Fort Wayne continued scoring in the fourth with another extra-base hit, a double from Jack Stronach, that knocked in Angel Solarte from second base. The TinCaps were behind 3-2 after four innings.

In the top of the fifth, left-handed reliver Ryan Och made his season debut. The Southern Mississippi alum faced the minimum in two innings while striking out three. Before Och's second frame, Fort Wayne tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Shortstop Justin Lopez smacked an RBI double to right field which platedcatcher Brandon Valenzuela.

The TinCaps took control of the game for good in the bottom of the sixth inning. After initially falling behind due to unearned runs in the first inning, Fort Wayne capitalized on a South Bend error itself.

Rosier reached on a ground ball that was bobbled at third with two outs to keep the home-half of the sixth alive. Robert Hassell III delivered the knockout blow with a two-run home run to left field, his second opposite-field blast in the last three games. Fort Wayne led 5-3 at the end of six innings.

From there, the 'Caps bullpen took over. Right-handed reliever Sam Keating came in and tossed two shutout innings with three strikeouts. Keating overcame an error with two outs in the eighth inning, striking out the final batter he faced to strand a pair of runners.

Gardner-Webb alum Mason Fox was called on to close the game. Fox sat down back-to-back batters on strikes before producing a pop-up to end the game.

Och picked up the win for the TinCaps with Fox earning the save.

Next Game: Wednesday, April 13 vs. South Bend (6:35 p.m.)

Fort Wayne Probable Starter: RHP Adam Smith

South Bend Probable Starter: LHP Jordan Wicks

Watch: Comcast Network 81 & MiLB.TV

Listen: 1380 The Fan & 100.9 FM / TinCapsRadio.com

Tickets: TinCapsTickets.com

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