MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Offense Evades 'Caps in 4-2 Loss

August 26, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - After being shut out the last two days, the West Michigan Whitecaps managed just two runs in a 4-2 loss to the Great Lakes Loons on a muggy Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Whitecaps fell behind early 2-0 as starting pitcher Endrys Briceno made a rare spot start for the Whitecaps and relinquished single runs over the first two innings. Bryan Warzek, fresh off the disabled list for Great Lakes, pitched well in three innings of work and held the "Caps offense scoreless. A run in the fourth gave the Whitecaps offense their first run in nearly 22 innings. Colby Bortles mashed a double and Rey Rivera followed with an RBI-single and closed the lead to 2-1. Loons shortstop Jacob Amaya lined a solo home run to extend the Great Lakes lead to 3-1. The "Caps closed to within a run when Brady Policelli and John Valente each singled, and Wenceel Perez contributed with a sacrifice fly and pushed the deficit to 3-2. The West Michigan offense managed only two base runners the rest of the contest. Great Lakes plated an insurance run in the seventh inning off "Caps reliever Johan Belisario and cruised the rest of the way for a 4-2 victory. With the loss, the Whitecaps lost their third straight game to Great Lakes.

Colby Bortles provided a bright spot for the Whitecaps offense despite the loss, going 3-for-4 with a run scored. The "Caps offense has recorded only one hit in 23 at-bats in the series with runners in scoring position as Briceno (4-2) took the loss, going five innings, giving up three runs and six hits. Zach Willeman (2-0) allowed both "Caps runs but picked up the win as Great Lakes padded their lead to 3.5 games in the playoff chase. Stephen Kolek picked up his second save for the Loons, who have won six straight games.

West Michigan slips to 29-33 in the second half of the Midwest League and 65-67 overall. Great Lakes moves to 57-74 overall and 33-30 in the second half. Entering today's game, the Whitecaps shared the final playoff spot with Fort Wayne and remain tied with the TinCaps after Fort Wayne lost to South Bend on Sunday afternoon. The Whitecaps have scored just two runs in the three games of their series with the Loons.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps conclude their seven-game homestand with the final game of their series against the Great Lakes Loons Monday at 7:05 pm. Whitecaps pitcher Jesus Rodriguez starts for West Michigan against Loons pitcher Jose Chacin. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Mike Coleman starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55 pm. Tickets are available for any Whitecaps 2018 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 26, 2018


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