Hernandez blasts Whitecaps to sixth straight win

May 31, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK - Mike Hernandez hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift the Whitecaps to their sixth victory in a row, 4-3 over Dayton.

Hernandez has made his mark since joining the Whitecaps. He is batting .417 in his first 9 games with 2 home runs, 11 RBI and a current six game hitting streak.

West Michigan pitching has been solid throughout the Dayton series. In each of the last two games, the Dragons have scored three unearned runs, which means the Whitecaps have not allowed an earned run in the last 26.1 innings pitched, dating back to a four-run fourth inning for Dayton on Monday afternoon.

Matt Rusch pitched the final three innings on Wednesday to earn the win and improve to 4-2.

Starter Eric Averill threw six innings and gave up two runs in the second inning as Dayton grabbed a 2-1 lead. The first run scored on an RBI walk to Josh Holden. The other came on a sacrifice fly by Mike DeJesus.

West Michigan reclaimed the lead in the third inning with back-to-back doubles by Pedro Cotto and Matt Joyce, followed by an RBI single from Hernandez.

Cotto also scored in the first inning on a double by Justin Justice.

Dayton tied the game in the eighth inning when B. J. Szymanski led off with a walk. He scored from first when Habelito Hernandez attempted a sacrifice bunt, but the ball was thrown by third baseman Cory Middleton down the right field line. Hernandez was credited with a single on the play.

This is the first time the Whitecaps have won six games in a row since June 28-July 2, 2005.

A Sweep in Sight? The Whitecaps will try to complete a four game sweep of Dayton Thursday morning at Fifth Third Ballpark. LHP Travis Wood (4-0, 3.35) will be on mound for the Dragons against RHP Burke Badenhop (5-1, 3.40). First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. The Whitecaps Pre Game Show begins at 10:50 a.m. On the Bench with Bret Bakita will be broadcast live from Fifth Third Ballpark beginning at 10:05 a.m. on 1340 AM WBBL and at wbbl.com.

Midwest League Stories from May 31, 2006

• Lugnuts drop Devil Rays in doubleheader - Lansing Lugnuts
• Marek blows away L-kings as Kernels claim fourth straight win - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Bees win 9th straight at home - Burlington Bees
• Rattler road woes continue - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Swing sweep twin bill from Snappers - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Snappers Drop Both Games in Doubleheader - Beloit Sky Carp
• Offense struggles again, L-Kings lose 5th straight - Clinton LumberKings
• Cougars and Chiefs suspended by rain - Kane County Cougars
• Prior Expected Back in Peoria Saturday - Peoria Chiefs
• Hernandez blasts Whitecaps to sixth straight win - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Miller Lite House Deck Post-Game Party Features Frank Bang - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Whitecaps Win Extra Inning Thriller - Dayton Dragons
• Dayton Dragons Host Fan Fest on June 3rd - Dayton Dragons
• Swing brass to speak at All-Star Luncheon - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Kernels weather rain, umps, extra frames to win third straight - Cedar Rapids Kernels

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent West Michigan Whitecaps Stories

• Whitecaps Take Five of Six from TinCaps
• 'Caps Clinch Series Win in Fort Wayne, 4-1
• 'Caps Double-up Fort Wayne, 8-4
• Whitecaps Take Tough Loss, 9-8
• 'Caps Post Second Straight Shutout, 7-0