Rally 'Caps Fight Back for 6-5 Win
Published on April 21, 2016 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps rallied from a five-run first inning deficit to post a 6-5 victory in front of 1,834 fans Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Dayton jumped all over Whitecaps starting pitcher Fernando Perez, striking for five runs in the opening inning. Each of the first five Dragons hitters reached base and scored in the frame, highlighted by a two-run single by third baseman Brantley Bell and run-scoring singles from second baseman Shed Long and outfielder Jose Siri. A sacrifice fly by Will Allen in the bottom of the inning got the 'Caps on the board before they took the lead with two runs in the fourth and three in the fifth. RBI-singles by second baseman Will Maddox and outfielder Jose Azocar highlighted the furious rally for West Michigan.
Whitecaps starting pitcher Fernando Perez was unable to escape the first inning in allowing five runs on four hits before giving way to the bullpen. From that point on, the West Michigan pitching staff was outstanding in not allowing a run in 8.1 innings of combined work from relievers Toller Boardman, Jake Shull and Gerson Moreno. Boardman (1-2) picked up a well-deserved win for tossing 5.1 shutout frames without walking a batter and striking out five. Dragons starter Ty Boyles (0-2) takes his second loss to the 'Caps in consecutive starts after allowing all six runs in four innings. The win improves the Whitecaps record to 7-7, while Dayton falls to 3-12. Maddox led the Whitecaps offense with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate plus an RBI and run scored.
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
The Whitecaps scored three of their six runs Thursday via the sacrifice fly, as Allen, third baseman Steven Fuentes and designated hitter Shane Zeile all drove in runs in the form of the run-scoring fly out. Infielder Brett Pirtle also executed a sacrifice bunt earlier in the contest.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps begin a four-game series against the Dayton Dragons with a 6:35pm contest on a Family Fare Fireworks Friday night from Fifth Third Ballpark. Matt Hall gets the start for West Michigan against Dragons pitcher Tanner Rainey - a top prospect for the Cincinnati Reds. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Steve Lloyd-Jones begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:25p.m. Tickets can be reserved for Friday's game, and any 2016 home contest by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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