Hernandez drives in winning run for the Whitecaps
August 6, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK - The Whitecaps blew a four run lead late in the game, but managed a walk off single by Mike Hernandez in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 win over Fort Wayne.
West Michigan carried a 6-2 lead into the eighth inning when David Freese hit a solo home run to make the score 6-3. In the top of the ninth, Whitecaps closer Orlando Perdomo allowed a lead off walk to Jose Lobaton followed by singles to Jodam Rivera and Ray Chang to load the bases with no outs.
Anthony Claggett was then brought in to pitch. He allowed one of the runs to score on a ground out. Will Venable tied the game on a two-out, two run opposite field single. It was the fourth blown save of the season in 31 opportunities for Perdomo and ended a streak of nine consecutive saves converted.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Cameron Maybin hit a high pop that was dropped by the second baseman Ray Chang at least 200 feet from home plate in right center field. The play was scored a double.
Maybin was running from second when Hernandez lined a single to left for the winning hit. It was the second walk of hit of the season for Hernandez who hit a 12th inning home run for a 4-3 win over Dayton on May 31.
Hernandez finished 3-for-5 with 2 RBI.
Mark Haske hit his first home run of the season for the Whitecaps in the fourth inning. The two run shot made the Whitecaps lead, 4-1. Haske also had a sacrifice fly and finished 2-for-3.
Pedro Cotto put West Michigan in front, 2-1 with a two-run double in the third inning.
Sendy Vasquez started the game for the Whitecaps and pitched 6.1 innings with two runs allowed on eight hits and was in line to earn his tenth win of the season until Fort Wayne rallied in the ninth.
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- Limonta longball beats Beloit - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Hernandez drives in winning run for the Whitecaps - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Dragons keep rolling at Fifth Third Field with 5-2 win - Dayton Dragons
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