Rodriguez Hits Grand Slam in Loss

August 18, 2021 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. -- The Fort Wayne TinCaps allowed a season-high 18 runs in an 18-6 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate) on Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark.

The TinCaps (43-49) actually led early, 1-0. In the top of the second, a two-out RBI single to center field from third baseman Ethan Skender to brought in shortstop Justin Lopez from second base. The single not only made it 1-0, but it marked 16 straight starts that Skender has reached base safely.

However, the lead didn't last long. In the bottom of the second, the Whitecaps (44-48) added three runs on an RBI groundout from third baseman Jimmy Kerr and a two-run single from second baseman Wenceel Perez. That was after West Michigan loaded the bases against Fort Wayne starter Carlos Guarate.

West Michigan wasn't done there as the home team plated six runs in the third. A two-run home run from Tigers No. 4 prospect Daniel Cabrera and a two-run single from right fielder Parker Meadows highlighted the inning.

In the fifth, the Whitecaps added seven more to their total to extend their lead to 16-1. There were four walks and a hit-by-pitch in the onslaught of an inning.

Offensively, the TinCaps were stymied by West Michigan starter Austin Bergner. The former North Carolina Tar Heel threw six innings of one-run ball, striking out six and walking just one.

Two more Whitecap runs came across in the sixth to push the lead to 18-1.

Fort Wayne did show some fight late. In the top of the seventh, after second baseman Chris Givin drew a bases-loaded walk, first baseman Yorman Rodriguez blasted a grand slam to cut the TinCap deficit to a dozen. The slam was Rodriguez's second home run as a member of the TinCaps, and both have come in the last four games.

Next Game: Thursday, August 19 at West Michigan (7:05 p.m.)

Fort Wayne Probable Starter: LHP Danny Denz

West Michigan Probable Starter: RHP Garrett Hill

Watch: MiLB.TV

Listen: 1380 The Fan & 100.9 FM | TinCapsRadio.com

Midwest League Stories from August 18, 2021

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• Johnson and Misner Homer in 4-2 Loss to Chiefs - Beloit Sky Carp
• Rodriguez Hits Grand Slam in Loss - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Varland's Streak Continues in 10-1 Blowout - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• James Free's Walk-Off Hit Moves Dragons Back into First Place Tie - Dayton Dragons
• Chiefs Jump out to Early Lead, Hang on to Beat Snappers - Peoria Chiefs
• Captains Come from Behind But Dayton Wins on a Walk-Off - Lake County Captains
• Kernels Rock Rattlers - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Six-Run 4th Backs Peluse, Pen in 8-5 Win - Lansing Lugnuts
• TinCaps Transactions & Game Information: August 18 at West Michigan - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Dayton Dragons Game Notes for Wednesday - Dayton Dragons
• South Bend Cubs Bobblehead Giveaway Update - South Bend Cubs

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