MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Miracle Rally in Ninth Gives 'Caps Win

Published on May 15, 2003 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


The West Michigan Whitecaps bats came alive just in time on Thursday night in Illinois. After being held to just one run on two hits for the first eight innings, the Whitecaps rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Kane County Cougars, 5-4. The Whitecaps have now won two out of three against Kane County, which has the best record in the league, and five of seven on their current 12-game road trip.

With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Cougars Nelson Cruz, who leads the league in home runs and RBIs, blasted a 3-run homer to break the deadlock and apparently give Kane County its second straight win over the 'Caps.

But in the top of the ninth, the 'Caps exploded. After Brent Clevelen's double made it a 4-2 game, pinch-hitter Jody Roughton delivered a clutch two-run double to tie the score. Jason Knoedler then got an infield single and when the throw to first went into the dugout, Roughton came home with the game's final run. All four West Michigan runs came off of Cougars closer Jeff Meussig who had not been scored upon in 13 previous outings this season.

'Caps starter Matt Parris delivered 6 2/3 innings of solid work on the mound. Relievers Juan Figueroa and Ian Ostlund combined to get the final three outs in the ninth. Shortstop Juan Gonzalez extended his personal hitting streak to twelve games with a double.

The 'Caps and Cougars will meet again on Friday night in the final game of the series at 7:30 Michigan time. Following Friday's game, the 'Caps head back to Iowa for four games with the Quad City River Bandits.

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Midwest League Stories from May 15, 2003


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