Sunshine, Whelan clinch Whitecaps win
August 21, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Fort Wayne right fielder Tom Vincent lost a pop up in the sun that dropped for a two-out, three-run double in the seventh and Kevin Whelan slammed the door with the tying run at the plate in the ninth inning of a 6-4 Whitecaps victory.
Jeff Frazier picked up the double on the lost fly ball, which made the West Michigan lead, 6-2.
In the top of the ninth, the Wizards rallied for two runs off reliever Lavon Lewis. With two out and the tying run on the plate, Whelan came on and threw two pitches to retire Matt Thayer on a line to right and end the game.
Whelan has converted each of his first six save opportunities with the Whitecaps.
West Michigan went in front, 1-0 on a lead-off home run by Wilkin Ramirez in the second. Ramirez leads the team with 13 home runs.
Fort Wayne rallied for a pair of runs in the third to jump in front, 2-1. Thayer tied the game with a base-hit. Nick Hundley gave the Wizards their only lead of the day on a sacrifice fly.
Those were the only two runs allowed in six innings of work by Whitecaps starter Andrew Kown. He allowed five hits, two walks and struck out three.
Josh Lee delivered the go-ahead hit for the Whitecaps. He knocked a two-run opposite field single to left with two out in the fourth for a 3-2 lead.
Down to Five: West Michigan's magic number to clinch a playoff berth is 5.
The Day Has Come: Monday is the Whitecaps' Comerica Park debut. It will be the last meeting of the regular season with the Wizards. The Midwest League leader in wins, RHP Mike Ekstrom (13-3, 3.07) gets the nod for Fort Wayne against West Michigan RHP Jeff Hahn (2-1, 3.50). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Eikenhout Incorporated Pre Game Show begins at 6:50 p.m. Monday on 1340 AM WBBL, the Whitecaps Radio Network and at mlive.com.
Midwest League Stories from August 21, 2005
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- Dayton comes from behind, loses lead, loses game, loses streak - Dayton Dragons
- Bees can't find home against Houser - Burlington Bees
- Perez, Houser lead Rays to 4th straight win - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
- Sunshine, Whelan clinch Whitecaps win - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Casilla's season ends with fractured finger - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Cedar Rapids downs Lumberkings - Clinton LumberKings
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