TinCaps Win, Magic Number Down to 1

September 9, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release

DAYTON, Ohio - The TinCaps belted five homers and starting pitcher Austin Krob spun six innings of one-run ball, leading Fort Wayne to down the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds affiliate), 7-1, on Saturday night at Day Air Ballpark.

The TinCaps (37-28 second half, 69-62 overall) lead the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate) by a half-game for a Midwest League playoff spot with just one game remaining in the regular season. Fort Wayne will earn a trip to the postseason with a win on Sunday afternoon or a West Michigan loss as the Whitecaps host the Great Lakes Loons (2 p.m.).

On Saturday, the TinCaps got on the board in the top of the third when left fielder Kai Murphy hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded, scoring catcher Anthony Vilar.

Dayton (33-32, 66-66) tied the game in the bottom of the third. With two out, right fielder Allan Cerda singled in center fielder Hector Rodriguez.

In the fifth, Fort Wayne shortstop Kervin Pichardo launched a solo bomb to deep left, giving the TinCaps a 2-1 advantage.

The 'Caps added two more in the top of the seventh on back-to-back homers by first baseman Griffin Doersching and designated hitter Albert Fabian.

In the ninth, Pichardo whacked his second home run before Murphy went yard two batters later with a two-run shot.

Fort Wayne's five homers matched a season high. Prior to this year, as the TinCaps have set a franchise record for homers with a Midwest League-leading 136, Fort Wayne hadn't homered five times in a game since 2005. (The franchise single-game record for homers is six.)

Krob (No. 28 Padres prospect) struck out seven. Keegan Collett registered a hold with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, while Carter Loewen registered the save with 1 2/3 frames of work.

The TinCaps have won eight of their last 10 games. Fort Wayne is fighting for its first trip to the playoffs since 2017.

Next Game: Sunday, Sept. 10 @ Dayton (1:10 p.m.)

TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Victor Lizarraga (No. 15 Padres prospect)

Dragons Probable Starter: RHP Johnathan Harmon

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Midwest League Stories from September 9, 2023

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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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