MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Whitecaps Bounce Back, Hold On Late For Win

Published on April 26, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Sometimes, you need to have a short memory.

The West Michigan Whitecaps shrugged off their recent ninth-inning woes on Saturday, holding on for a 5-4 victory over the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (11-11) converted their first save opportunity since April 15, snapping a stretch of four straight blown saves to get back to .500. The Whitecaps fell behind 4-2 before charging back to take the lead and holding on for the victory over Fort Wayne (9-12).

After a two-run homer by Fort Wayne's Franmil Reyes gave the visitors a 4-2 lead, the 'Caps scored three unanswered runs to jump in front.

With men at the corners and two outs in the bottom of the sixth, manager Andrew Graham called for a double steal. Brett Harrison broke for second to induce the throw while Willy Adames raced home from third. As Harrison drew the rundown, Adames scored to cut the deficit to 4-3.

In the seventh, Raph Rhymes reached base on a one-out walk and Dominic Ficociello singled to put runners on the corners again. With the Whitecaps threatening, Fort Wayne reliever Kyle Lloyd was called for a balk that allowed Rhymes to trot home with the game-tying run. Later in the inning, Wynton Bernard sent a two-out bouncer to third, but a short throw skipped past the first baseman and Ficociello scored for the 5-4 lead.

At that point, it was up to the Whitecaps' bullpen to convert the save - and Joe Mantiply was up to the task.

The talented lefty needed just six pitches to cruise through the eighth inning, allowing a bunt-single to Mallex Smith before picking off the speedy baserunner. Mantiply then retired the side in order in the ninth, assisted by a spectacular diving catch from 18-year-old shortstop Willy Adames. Mantiply earned his third save of the season while lowering his ERA to 1.10.

Starting pitcher Austin Kubitza (3-0) earned the win thanks to seven solid innings. The 6-foot-5 right-hander walked the first two batters of the game on just nine pitches, but subsequently settled in and retired the next 12 batters in a row. His only other jam came in the sixth, when the two-out homer by Reyes capped a three-run TinCaps' rally. Kubitza was charged with four runs - three earned - on four hits, striking out four and walking two to pick up his third win in four starts.

Lloyd (0-1) suffered the loss and was charged with a blown save after giving up two runs - one earned - in two innings of relief.

In addition to his stellar ninth inning catch, Adames also shined at the plate with a 2-for-3 afternoon that included a pair of doubles and a run scored.

The Whitecaps wrap up their homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Sunday afternoon. LHP Kevin Ziomek (0-2, 2.13) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against RHP Adrian De Horta (0-0, 5.79) of Fort Wayne. Each day of the seven-game "Dollar Days" homestand has featured a different $1 special, continuing with $1 lawn seats on Sunday in addition to a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from April 26, 2014


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