TinCaps' Pitching Impresses on Opening Day
April 6, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Jairo Iriarte fanned six in his start on the bump for the TinCaps, but Ben Malgeri's two-out solo homer in the second inning proved to be the difference, as West Michigan blanked Fort Wayne 1-0 at LMCU Ballpark Thursday night.
Iriarte touched the upper 90s with his fastball and commanded the strike zone, needing 51 pitches to span three innings.
Nick Thwaits was solid in relief for the TinCaps, too. He spun three innings of one-hit ball, racking up four strikeouts along the way and wiggling out of a jam in the fourth inning.
West Michigan didn't have a hit past the fourth inning. Alan Mundo came in for the final two frames on the bump for Fort Wayne and quickly sat down six straight Whitecaps with only 20 pitches, 16 of which were strikes.
Catcher Brandon Valenzuela reached twice for the 'Caps with a single and a hit-by-pitch, and center fielder Jakob Marsee also reached twice with a single and a walk.
First-year TinCaps manager Jonathan Mathews was aggressive on the bases, as Marsee and right fielder Joshua Mears each swiped a bag. But Fort Wayne couldn't get a timely hit, going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Next Game: Friday, April 7 @ West Michigan Whitecaps (12:05 p.m.)
Fort Wayne Probable Starter: RHP Victor Lizarraga (No. 7 Padres prospect)
West Michigan Probable Starter: LHP Carlos Pena
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