Loons Drop Series To W'Caps
Published on May 6, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Great Lakes Loons News Release
MIDLAND, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps took the 2-1 series win over the Great Lakes Loons Thursday during Dow Diamond's School Kids Day that brought 5,278 to the park. The 'Caps right fielder Alexis Espinoza hit an RBI-triple in the seventh, which barely beat Blake Smith to the right field wall, to break the tie and give West Michigan the 4-3 win.
The Whitecaps came out strong, scoring two runs in the first inning off of Loons starting pitcher Brett Wallach. The 21-year-old righty loaded the bases on two walks and one hit batsmen, which set the table for a pair of runs turned in by Elvin Soto's single to right. The Whitecaps extended their lead to three runs in the top of the fifth inning when Espinoza hit a first-pitch home run to left field.
Wallach (2-0, 3.23) surrendered three runs on two hits in five innings of work, fanning three and walking four.
The Loons mounted a comeback in the fifth inning, initiated by Loons shortstop Christina Lara, who belted a lead-off home run to get Great Lakes their first run of the contest. Later in the inning with Brian Cavazos-Galvez batting, Jerry Sands stole second, putting him in position to score on Cavazos-Galvez's double. Third baseman Brian Ruggiano, who was activated from the disabled list today, followed up with a double to score Lara, tying the game 3-3.
Loons reliever J.B. Paxson took the mound for three innings, allowing one run-Espinoza's game winner-on four hits. Paxson (1-1, 2.19) fanned four batters and walked none. Jordan Roberts pitched the last inning for the Loons, scoreless with one strikeout.
The Loons totaled nine hits, received eight walks and stranded nine runners, converting only two out of 11 chances with runners in scoring position.
"We had opportunities to get the big hits," Loons Manager Juan Bustabad said. "We've just got to keep working hard. Yesterday we fell behind six-to-nothing and came from behind, today we fell behind three-to-nothing; we just need to keep battling. We don't want to be in that position all the time."
West Michigan starter Jade Todd allowed three runs on seven hits and walked four Loons. Victor Larez (2-4, 4.50) notched the win with his 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball, Cory Hamilton finished for the save.
The Loons (16-10) will begin their second series of the six-game homestand Friday against the Midwest League's Eastern Division leader, the Lake County Captains. Loons RHP Matt Magill (0-0-2, 2.70) will throw the 7:05 p.m. first pitch, while RHP Marty Popham (2-0, 4.91) will start for Lake County. Friday night marks the first Fireworks Night of the year, powered by Dow Corning.
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