Four game sweep complete over Clinton
Published on April 24, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK - Ramon Garcia fell behind 2-0 early, but remained strong and did not issue a walk through an eight inning performance that led to an 8-2 Whitecaps victory over Clinton.
The LumberKings struck first with a lead off home run by John Mayberry in the second inning. Terry Blunt led off the fourth with a double. He scored on a balk to make the lead, 2-0.
But in the bottom of the fourth inning, Ryan Roberson doubled then scored on a Justin Justice RBI single, which cut the lead in half. Justice came home on a wild pitch to tie the game, 2-2.
Clinton starter Zach Phillips went 5.2 innings and allowed five hits but struck out nine.
Neither team issued a walk.
In the eighth inning, the Whitecaps broke the tie with six runs before there was an out. Clinton reliever Julian Cordero retired the first four batters he faced to complete the sixth and seventh innings, but Mike Hollimon and Cameron Maybin picked up back-to-back singles to begin the eighth. Mark Haske hit a ground ball to third that was misplayed by John Whittleman's third error of the game. Hollimon scored to put the Whitecaps on top for the first time, 3-2.
Maybin then beat a throw to third on a sacrifice bunt by Justin Justice, which loaded the bases. Matt Joyce followed with a two-run double to right center. Justice scored on a pass ball. Then Jeramy Laster and Rafael Mendez came through with back-to-back stand-up RBI triples, to complete the rally.
Jake Baxter pitched a scoreless ninth inning for West Michigan to seal the win.
The victory completes a four game sweep by the Whitecaps, who also swept Clinton at Fifth Third Ballpark June 30-July 3, 2005. The last LumberKings victory at West Michigan was May 9, 2004.
The Leaders: Western Division leading Kane County arrives at Fifth Third Ballpark for a four game series, Tuesday through Friday.
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