MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Whitecaps Come Up Short In Potential Clincher

Published on September 1, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


LANSING, MI - After a series-opening 3-1 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts on Wednesday night at Cooley Law School Stadium, the West Michigan Whitecaps will have to wait for another night to confirm their reservations for the post-season.

The magic number remains at two for West Michigan (34-31, 60-74), whose lead over Lansing (30-35, 66-68) was cut to four games with five games to play in the race for the Eastern Division's final playoff spot. The Whitecaps can still clinch their seventh consecutive playoff berth by winning either of the two remaining games in the three-game series.

The story of Wednesday night's game was the Lugnuts' pitching duo of Drew Hutchison and Casey Lawrence, who combined to hold the Whitecaps' potent offense to just one run.

Hutchison (1-2) started and picked up the victory, striking out seven batters over five scoreless innings and limiting West Michigan to just two singles. He walked two and allowed only four baserunners, as the lone runner that reached scoring position against him did so on a walk and a stolen base.

Lawrence (1) took over in the sixth and tossed the final four innings for the save. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out two.

Lansing reached the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning thanks to doubles by Balbino Fuenmayor and Oliver Dominguez, but it was a two-run rally in the sixth that proved to be the difference.

Whitecaps' starter Victor Larez issued a walk and hit a batter to start the inning before a one-out single loaded the bases. It looked as though he might escape trouble when Eric Eiland popped up to shallow left for the second out, but Fuenmayor roped the very next pitch into left field for a two-run single and a 3-0 lead.

After being held to just three singles through the first seven innings, the West Michigan offense finally reached the scoreboard in the top of the eighth. Hernan Perez started the rally by drilling a leadoff double into right-center and Jamie Johnson followed with a bunt-single. One out later, Corey Jones sliced a double to left that brought the 'Caps to within 3-1.

With runners at second and third and just one out, however, West Michigan came up short. Wade Gaynor popped out to the third baseman in foul territory and Tony Plagman groundout out to the right side as the Whitecaps stranded the potential game-tying run in scoring position.

Larez (8-11) suffered the loss after giving up three runs on six hits over 5.2 innings of work.

The Whitecaps are closing out the 2010 regular season with a six-game road trip that continues with game two of a three-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, September 2. RHP Luis Angel Sanz (4-6, 5.29) is scheduled to take the mound for West Michigan against LHP Egan Smith (6-4, 4.79) of the Lugnuts. Although the home portion of the 2010 regular season is complete, the Whitecaps are fighting for a playoff berth and will have a 7:00 p.m. home game at Fifth Third Ballpark on Wednesday, September 8, if they qualify for the post-season.

Check out the West Michigan Whitecaps Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from September 1, 2010


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.

OurSports Central