Mears Homers and Doubles in Road Trip Opener

Published on August 9, 2022 under Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release

EASTLAKE, Ohio - Starter Efraín Contreras posted three scoreless innings in the Fort Wayne TinCaps' 3-1 loss to the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Guardians affiliate) on Tuesday evening.

Contreras faced one batter over the minimum in his outing. The right-hander struck out four, walked only one and didn't allow a hit. Tuesday's start marked the first time Contreras has pitched consecutive scoreless appearances. The 22-year-old threw two scoreless innings at home versus South Bend on Aug. 4.

Contreras' start paved the way for Fort Wayne to take an early lead. In the second, Joshua Mears hit his team-best 12th home run of the season. Fort Wayne led 1-0 after two. Since returning to Fort Wayne in mid-July, Mears is batting .300 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, and a .907 OPS in 13 games. The outfielder would also double to center field in the 7th inning.

The rest of Fort Wayne's (17-20, 44-59) offense was stifled, though, picking up just four hits total. Lake County was opportunistic (21-14, 56-45), scoring three runs on only five hits. The Captains tied the game in the fifth on a dropped-third-strike, and took the lead on a Jonathan Rodriguez sacrifice fly in the 6th and led 2-1. Petey Halpin bolstered the advantage with a solo home run in the 7th to make it 3-1.

The matchup was one of the quickest Fort Wayne has played in this season: 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Next Game: Wednesday, Aug. 10 @ Lake County Captains - Cleveland Guardians affiliate (6:35 p.m.)

Fort Wayne Probable Starter: RHP Dwayne Matos

Lake County Probable Starter: RHP Aaron Davenport

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

Midwest League Stories from August 9, 2022

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