MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

West Michigan answers Kane County blowout

August 16, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


Whitecaps tally 16 hits in victory

GENEVA, IL - Clete Thomas led a rejuvenated Whitecaps offense with four RBI as West Michigan downed Kane County, 10-5. The two teams have traded lopsided victories over the first two games of a four game series. On Monday, the Cougars won 12-5.

Thomas put West Michigan on top in the fourth inning with a two-run single that made the score, 3-2. In the fifth, Thomas knocked a two-run double that raised the score to 8-4. He nearly picked up another pair of RBI in the ninth when a two runs scored on what was ruled a two-base error when center fielder Javier Herrera dropped the ball while running toward left.

Luis Sabino gave the Whitecaps the lead for good in the fourth when his belted a two-run double to left center. After a throw home failed to nab Nick McIntyre, who scored from first base, catcher Raul Padron threw the ball behind Sabino to second, but the toss sailed into centerfield and allowed Sabino to score. Following the play, West Michigan led, 6-4. Kane County picked up two runs in the bottom of the second to grab a 2-1 lead, then rallied to retake the lead in the fourth with another pair of scores for a 4-3 margin.

Andrew Kown pitched five innings to earn the win. Whitecaps closer Kevin Whelan, who had not pitched since last Friday, came on with a six run lead to start the bottom of the ninth, but allowed two hits and a run. It was the first time he had allowed a hit or a run as a Whitecap. Whelan's hitless and scoreless streak ended at 5.1 innings.

Always On: In seven of the nine innings, including each of the last six, West Michigan put the lead off batter on base.

The Streak Ends: Before Tuesday, the last regular season victory for West Michigan at Kane County was May 16, 2003. That victory completed a series in which the Whitecaps took 3-out-of-4. Since then the Cougars had taken five straight in Geneva during the regular season against the 'Caps. West Michigan beat Kane County at Elfstrom Stadium in Game two of the Midwest League Championship Series on September 15, 2004.

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