Pearce Punches 'Caps Ticket to Victory
August 22, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - A ninth-inning sacrifice fly from Jordan Pearce enabled Dylan Rosa to race home from third base and lifted the West Michigan Whitecaps to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Dayton Dragons to the delight of 6,889 fans Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Whitecaps starter Brad Bass, who entered his 20th start of 2018 allowing only two earned runs over the last 25 innings, juggled four hits in the first three innings but gave up no runs. Meanwhile, Dylan Rosa blasted a solo home run to the right-field corner off Dragons starter Packy Naughton and gave the "Caps the early 1-0 advantage. A fifth-inning run off Bass proved the only other run the righthander relinquished in seven solid innings. The Whitecaps struggled through the middle innings off Naughton who pitched one of his best games of 2018, going seven innings and scattering three hits. In the eighth inning, Dragons reliever, Cory Thompson loaded the bases and surrendered the games tying run courtesy of a Luke Sherley sacrifice fly which plated Anthony Pereira and tied the game at two. In the Whitecaps ninth, Dylan Rosa laced a one-out double and moved to third on an errant Dayton throw. Jordan Perce promptly lifted a fly ball to shallow left field. Rosa challenged the arm of left fielder Reshard Munroe with a brazen dash towards home plate and eluded Dayton catcher Mark Kolozsvary's tag for the winning run and a 3-2 score. Pearce's RBI sacrifice gives him five RBI over his last seven games as the Whitecaps keep pace in the Midwest League's second-half playoff picture.
Endrys Briceno (4-1) who struck out three and only gave up two hits in two relief innings picked up the win. Bass tallied another quality start for the "Caps with the two earned runs, seven hits and two walks in seven innings. The Dragons Thompson (5-6) absorbed the loss, the second straight time recording a loss against West Michigan at Fifth Third Ballpark in August. The Whitecaps were outhit nine to five but evened the series at one win each. With the victory, West Michigan evens its record to 64-64 and 28-30 in the second half. Dayton tumbles to 55-72 and 24-35.
POLICELLI LEAVES WITH INJURY
Whitecaps catcher Brady Policelli left the game in the ninth inning after taking a ball off the neck after a pitch in the dirt with Dayton's Henrik Clementina at the plate. Policelli was immobilized and placed into a stretcher, being taken by an ambulance to a local hospital. The "Caps super-utility man was said to be alert and speaking with medical personnel on the field before leaving the contest. Policelli has been a focal point of the 2018 West Michigan squad, hitting .256 with seven home runs and 18 stolen bases while playing catcher, infield and outfield this season.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps three-game series against the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Ballpark wraps on Thursday at 7:05 pm. "Caps pitcher Wilkel Hernandez starts for West Michigan against Dragons hurler Austin Orewiler. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty 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.
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