MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Soto's Three-Hit Shutout Snaps Losing Streak

Published on June 16, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Giovanni Soto twirled a complete game three-hit shutout on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark as the West Michigan Whitecaps snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over the Lake County Captains.

Soto's gem came on a night in which the crowd was already buzzing after the Whitecaps welcomed the seven millionth fan through the gates since opening their doors in 1994. Ten-year-old Lauren Schaltz from Hudsonville was the lucky fan, winning a laundry list of prizes highlighted by two round-trip tickets on AirTran Airways, a flat-screen LCD TV, a Nintendo Wii, a package of Tigers and Whitecaps tickets, autographed baseballs and a host of other goodies.

Meanwhile, Soto's performance puts West Michigan (24-41) in a position to win the series against first-place Lake County (41-24) in their final home game of the first half on Thursday.

Soto joined Trevor Feeney as the only Whitecaps to throw a nine-inning complete game in 2010, but the 19-year-old all-star from Puerto Rico becomes the first to do so without allowing a run.

Soto (5-4) allowed just three singles, two of which were of the infield variety while the third was a liner that popped in and out of the glove of a leaping Hernan Perez at shortstop. He issued one walk, retiring 26 of the Captains' 30 batters and facing just three over the minimum. Soto threw only 98 pitches and struck out seven, inducing awkward contact and easy outs all night long. In the process, the crafty southpaw lowered his ERA to a sparkling 2.05 through his first 12 starts of the season.

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps took advantage of a defensive misplay to score the only run of the night. Michael Rockett led off the third by stinging a liner to center that caused Delvi Cid to charge in, but the ball sailed over the outfielder's head and bounced all the way to the wall. Rockett ended up with a triple, and later in the frame Jamie Johnson's RBI-single gave West Michigan the 1-0 lead.

While Soto stole the show, Lake County also pitched a three-hitter between starter Austin Adams and reliever Nick Sarianides.

The hard-throwing Adams (2-4) struck out seven while allowing just one run on three hits and one walk in five innings of work. Sarianides followed by retiring all nine batters he faced with three perfect frames out of the bullpen.

The Whitecaps conclude the home portion of their first-half schedule at Fifth Third Ballpark with the finale of a three-game set against the Lake County Captains at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 17. West Michigan will send RHP Ramon Lebron (4-4, 7.08) to the mound against RHP Clayton Cook (2-4, 4.50) of the Captains. Fans will be treated to $2 food and beverage specials on an Altogas Thrifty Thursday as well as a special post-game concert by "Oracle" on Led Zeppelin Night.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from June 16, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central