TinCaps edged by Whitecaps, 4-3

April 11, 2010 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - The Fort Wayne TinCaps came up with just three hits in a 4-3 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps, Sunday at Fifth Third Ballpark. Fort Wayne went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

West Michigan jumped in front in the 2nd with a two-out rally against Fort Wayne RHP Dexter Carter. Luis Palacios and Hernan Perez hit back-to-back singles, then Jamie Johnson ripped a two-run triple into the right-field corner to give the Whitecaps a 2-0 lead.

In the 4th , the TinCaps came up with a rally of their own. Nate Freiman drew a two-out walk and Rymer Liriano followed with a double over the left-fielder's head to cut the deficit to 2-1.

From there, the TinCaps were stifled by West Michigan LHP Giovanni Soto, who struck out a career-high ten in five innings.

Fort Wayne escaped damage in the bottom of the 4th . With the bases loaded and nobody out, Carter struck out Johnson. Mike Gosse pounded a foul ball with home-run distance which barely went foul, then Carter induced an inning-ending double play to get out of the jam.

The Whitecaps broke through in the 7th . After Gosse's double put runners at second and third with one out, Avisail Garcia punched a two-run single through a drawn-in infield to make it 4-1.

The TinCaps rallied in the 8th . Griffin Benedict hit a rope to right field which was scored a two- base error. Back-to-back walks loaded the bases, then Edinson Rincon lifted a sacrifice fly to right to make it 4-2. Freiman followed with a sacrifice fly to left, cutting the margin to 4-3, but Fort Wayne could get no closer.

West Michigan RHP Melvin Mercedes pitched a perfect 9th inning to notch his first save of the season. Soto (1-0) was the winning pitcher; Carter (0-1) absorbed the loss despite allowing two runs on five hits in five innings.

Fort Wayne fell to 2-2 on the year while West Michigan (1-3) picked up its first win.

The TinCaps and Whitecaps (Class-A Detroit Tigers) continue the three-game series Monday at Fifth Third Ballpark. RHP John Hussey makes his season debut against West Michigan RHP Ramon Lebron in a 6:35 p.m. start.

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