Tavarez Calms 'Caps

August 24, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Pitcher Alfredo Tavarez wielded a dominant start limiting the West Michigan Whitecaps to two hits in seven innings as the Great Lakes Loons blanked the 'Caps 8-0 in front of 7,057 rain-soaked fans Friday at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Whitecaps struggled at the plate, tallying a mere two hits through nine innings while leaving seven runners on base in a game that featured steady rain beginning in the middle frames.

West Michigan starter Carson Lance struggled in his Fifth Third Ballpark debut surrendering four runs through his first three innings highlighted by Romer Cuadrado's three-run home run giving the Loons a 4-0 advantage. The Whitecaps went hitless until Jordan Pearce's one-out single in the fifth but stranded runners at second and third when Joey Morgan struck out looking to end the threat. The Loons plated four more runs over the game's final three innings to give Great Lakes a victory in the first game of a four-game series.

Lance (0-3) threw five innings allowing four runs on five hits while walking five in suffering his third loss. Tavarez (3-5) dominated, dealing seven innings of shutout baseball while allowing one hit on four strikeouts in earning his third win of 2018. The Loons advance to 31-30 in the second half and 55-74 overall, while the Whitecaps drop to 29-31 in the second half and 65-65 on the campaign. Despite the loss, the Whitecaps are still 1.5 games up on the Fort Wayne TinCaps in the 2018 Midwest League playoff standings. West Michigan batters walked six times in the defeat.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps continue this four-game series against the Great Lakes Loons on Saturday night at Fifth Third Ballpark on "Grand Rapids Griffins Night" beginning at 7:05 pm. Whitecaps pitcher Chance Kirby starts for West Michigan against Loons pitcher Gerardo Carrillo. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Brad Golder starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55 pm. Tickets are available for any Whitecaps 2018 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 24, 2018

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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.

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