Whitecaps hang on, take over playoff lead
July 13, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - After blowing ninth inning leads in two of the last three games, the Whitecaps held Dayton to just one run in the ninth for a 3-2 victory over the Dragons.
P. J. Finigan came on in relief of closer Anthony Tomey to record the final two outs and earn the save.
Tomey had saved four consecutive games before allowing three runs for a tie on in the ninth Saturday at Clinton, then the tying run on Monday against the Lumberkings.
Jeff Frazier broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run double, which put the Whitecaps on top, 3-1. Frazier nearly scored on a would-be sacrifice fly to right center by Josh Lee, but failed to cross the plate ahead of the final out of the inning at second base, as Wilkin Ramirez tried to tag up from first.
Ramirez hit into a double play in the fourth inning that allowed Luis Sabino to score from third put West Michigan on top, 1-0.
Dayton tied the score, 1-1 on a fielder's choice RBI in the top of the fifth by Bradley Key. Trevor Lawhorn picked up the RBI in the top of the ninth to plate John Purdom for the second time in the game. Sabino scored twice for the Whitecaps. Frazier went 2-for-4.
Josh Kauten pitched the first seven innings for the Whitecaps and allowed just one run on eight hits and no walks with five strikeouts. Ed Clelland held the Dragons scoreless in the eighth and earned the win.
Carlos Bohorquez made his first start for Dayton and went five innings with only three hits and one run allowed. Juan Frias threw the final two innings for the Dragons, gave up two runs and took the loss.
The victory gives West Michigan a one game lead in the second half playoff race in the Midwest League East. The Whitecaps are in front of Dayton by one game and lead Southwest Michigan and Lansing by a game-and-a-half each. Wednesday's game between the Devil Rays and Lugnuts was suspended due to rain.
Only two more home games before the Whitecaps embark on another eight game road trip.
Midwest League Stories from July 13, 2005
- Largest crowd of the season sees slugfest - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Chiefs take series opener from Bees - Peoria Chiefs
- Swing grind out fourth straight - Quad Cities River Bandits
- Chiefs snap three game slide with 6-2 win - Peoria Chiefs
- Cougars' Offense Loud Early, Quiet Late - Kane County Cougars
- Swing pull away late to beat Wisconsin - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Rays and Lugnuts suspend game after rain delay - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
- Dayton Rally Falls Short in the Ninth as âCaps Win 3-2 - Dayton Dragons
- Whitecaps hang on, take over playoff lead - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Movement On Kane County's Roster - Kane County Cougars
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