Missed Chances Lead to 'Caps' Loss
July 5, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps went 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position, and their bullpen was not at its best as part of a 6-1 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Wednesday in front of 3,613 fans at Parkview Field.
The Whitecaps fell to a season-worst two games below .500, losing their second game of the series - both of which they held the lead past the seventh inning of the contest. The 'Caps bullpen has allowed 11 runs in over seven innings on the mound through the first two games of this set.
The contest featured numerous opportunities for West Michigan's offense through the first six innings, but a mere RBI-single by Luis Garcia in the fourth inning was the only run the 'Caps could collect while struggling with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Wilkel Hernandez tossed five scoreless innings while giving up three hits without a walk and striking out five in a no-decision. Fort Wayne made the Whitecaps pay for their missed opportunities in the seventh, attacking relievers Chavez Fernander and Dario Gardea with a six-run rally highlighted by a two-run triple by Lucas Dunn. Pitcher Angel Reyes entered to pitch a scoreless ninth, but it was too late for West Michigan, whose record fell to 8-18 in their last 26 games.
The Whitecaps dropped to 37-39 and 5-6 in the second half, while the TinCaps improved to 40-37 and 7-4 in the second half. Fernander (2-1) gets his first loss of the 2023 season, while Fort Wayne's Aaron Holiday (2-3) picks up the win in relief. Jace Jung recorded a pair of doubles for the second consecutive game, while Austin Murr and Garcia also tallied two hits in a losing cause.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps and TinCaps continue this six-game series at Parkview Field on Thursday at 7:05 pm. West Michigan starts lefty Carlos Pena against San Diego Padres Top-10 Prospect and righty Adam Mazur. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network beginning at 6:50 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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