MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Missed chances doom 'Caps

Published on May 21, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


PEORIA, IL - Unable to capitalize on three separate scoring opportunities, the West Michigan Whitecaps fell to the Peoria Chiefs, 4-1, at O'Brien Field on Thursday night. Peoria showed why they lead the league in hitting by smacking two homeruns among their nine hits. Each team has won a game in the three game series.

Chiefs' starter Chris Archer (2-0) settled down after a rocky first inning and held the ‘Caps in check over 5 innings for the win. He didn't allow any runs, walked one batter and struck out 8 Whitecaps.

The first scoring chance for the ‘Caps came in the first inning. Gustavo Nunez reached base on a dropped third strike by Michael Brenly. Brent Wyatt singled, and Brandon Douglas walked. But the bases-loaded, no outs opportunity didn't produce any runs for the ‘Caps.

In the bottom of the first, league-leading hitter Josh Harrison of Peoria homered to left for a 1-0 Chiefs' lead.

West Michigan threatened to take the lead in the sixth when Wyatt drew a one-out walk. Douglas' ground ball to short was misplayed by Junior Lake putting Wyatt at third and Douglas at second with one down. Again, the ‘Caps were unable to take advantage as the next two hitters struck out.

Peoria regrouped in the bottom half of the sixth inning and chased ‘Caps starter Mauricio Robles. Josh Vitters hit his eighth home run of the year, a two-run shot, to make the score 3-0. Rebel Ridling pushed another run across two batters later as he doubled home Kyler Burke.

Luis Salas provided the lone Whitecas' run with his solo homerun in the top of the seventh.

The final ‘Caps scoring chance developed in the eighth. Walks to Gustavo Nunez and Brent Wyatt put two men on with no outs. Brandon Douglas sent a ground ball to left, but Nunez was thrown out at the plate, and Wyatt was caught rounding second too far. The double play wiped out the threat.

Robles (3-2) left after 5.1 innings, giving up 4 earned runs with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts for the loss .

Brent Wyatt, Brandon Douglas, Ronnie Bourquin, Billy Nowlin, and Luis Salas each had one hit.

The rubber game of the series is scheduled for Friday night at 7:30 p.m. EST at O'Brien Field.

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Midwest League Stories from May 21, 2009


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