MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Whitecaps Break Through In Sixth For 5-2 Win

Published on August 1, 2014 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps rallied for five runs before an out was recorded in the sixth inning on Friday, riding the offensive outburst to a 5-2 win over the Fort Wayne TinCaps in front of 8,095 fans at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The win improved West Michigan (27-13, 68-42) to 14 games over .500 in the half and 26 games above the break-even point overall, both of which are high-water marks this season. The 'Caps are 3-1 so far this homestand and 9-5 against Fort Wayne (17-23, 47-62) this year.

West Michigan also got a boost from rehabbing Detroit Tigers' outfielder Andy Dirks, who was 1-for-3 with a single and played five innings in left field. Dirks, who has yet to play a Major League game this season after undergoing back surgery on March 10, is scheduled to remain with the Whitecaps through Wednesday as part of a six-day rehab stint.

The home team was trailing 2-0 before busting loose against TinCaps' reliever Josh Richardson in the bottom of the sixth.

Javier Betancourt opened the inning with a single and Wynton Bernard drew a walk before Dominic Ficociello dropped an RBI-single inside the left field line to break up the shutout. Raph Rhymes tied the game with a line-drive single to left-center while Jeff Holm delivered the big hit of the inning, a two-run double to the wall in right-center field. Francisco Contreras followed with a rally-capping base hit to right, plating Holm for the 5-2 lead.

The first six batters of the inning all reached safely during the five-run spurt. All of the damage was done against Richardson (1-2), who was charged with five runs on five hits and a walk without recording an out.

Relievers Joe Mantiply (6-3) and Zac Reininger (9) did the rest and were rewarded with the win and the save, respectively. Each hurler threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and just one hit allowed.

Whitecaps' starter Austin Kubitza was also dominant despite failing to figure into the decision. The 6-foot-5 righty struck out nine without issuing a walk and allowed just two runs - one earned - on five hits over five innings.

Kubitza, Mantiply and Reininger combined to rack up 15 strikeouts with just one walk and one earned run allowed. The West Michigan pitching staff continues to lead the league with a 2.96 ERA and 964 strikeouts.

The sixth-inning rally by the Whitecaps came after five shutout innings from TinCaps' starter Ronald Herrera. The 19-year-old prospect allowed just three hits and needed only 56 pitches to cruise through his five impressive frames, but the West Michigan offense immediately pounced after his departure.

The Whitecaps continue a six-game homestand with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch on Saturday night against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Fifth Third Ballpark. RHP Jon Maciel (5-4, 3.43) is scheduled to pitch for West Michigan against RHP Jimmi Brasoban (1-4, 8.00) of Fort Wayne. The 'Caps will be wearing special jerseys on First Responders Night and fans will be treated to a pre-game baseball giveaway and post-game Family Fare fireworks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 1, 2014


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