Rattlers hit 21 (under .500)
June 30, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI -- The West Michigan Whitecaps defeated the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4-1 on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. Despite a few chances to cash in some runs, the loss drops the Rattlers to a season low twenty-one games under .500. Mike Hernandez hit a two-out, two run home run in the bottom of the second inning to provide the Caps with all the runs they would need. Sendy Vasquez got the win by allowing one run on six hits over six innings.
Wisconsin (29-50 overall, 2-7 second half) had a great opportunity in the top of the second inning. They loaded the bases with one out against Vasquez. But, Jeff Flaig grounded into an inning ending double play.
The Whitecaps (49-29, 7-2) made the most of a limited chance in the bottom of the second inning. Hernandez blasted a two-run homer to left with two outs and West Michigan took the 2-0 lead.
The Rattlers would get on the board in the top of the sixth inning. Luis Valbuena singled and stole second base with one out. A two-out RBI single by Ron Garth sent Valbuena home with the run. Johan Limonta followed with a single to put the tying run in scoring position. But, Travis Scott's line drive down the first base line was snared by first baseman Pedro Cotto for the final out of the inning.
West Michigan got some insurance in the bottom of the sixth. Nick Allen, the Rattler starter gave up back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners. Allen struck out Matt Joyce for the first out and turned things over to the bullpen.
Harold Williams entered the game and threw a wild pitch that allowed the runner from third to score. Later in the inning, Justin Justice singled home a run for a 4-1 lead.
Wisconsin loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the eighth inning on a pair of singles and a walk against Whitecap reliever Loren Fraser, but Fraser struck out Scott for the final out of the inning.
Anthony Claggett struck out the side in order in the top of the ninth inning for his fifth save.
Wisconsin and the Whitecaps return to action on Saturday night. Ruben Flores (1-6, 5.80ERA) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Rattlers. Josh Rainwater (2-2, 3.98ERA) is slated to take the hill for the Whitecaps. Game time is 6:00pm CDT.
Midwest League Stories from June 30, 2006
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- The Rays Continue to Struggle - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
- Swing continue to struggle with Silver Hawks - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Lugnuts Take Third Consecutive Game - Lansing Lugnuts
- Dragons Pull out Comeback Win over Kernels - Dayton Dragons
- A different day, same score in Whitecap win - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Rattlers hit 21 (under .500) - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Swing to experience Hurricane effect - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Independent Gardner Signed, Joins Wizards - Fort Wayne TinCaps
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