Whitecaps headed to the playoffs
June 11, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
DAYTON, OH - For the tenth time in the team's 13-year history and for the third year in a row, the West Michigan Whitecaps have qualified for the playoffs.
Following a 4-3 Whitecaps win in Dayton and a 7-0 Beloit victory over South Bend on Sunday, West Michigan is guaranteed to finish either first or second in the Eastern Division in the first half.
The last time the Whitecaps qualified for the post season in the first half was 2002 when the Caps finished in second place in the east, a game behind Michigan and just a half game ahead of Fort Wayne.
Manager Matt Walbeck has led West Michigan to the playoffs in each of his three seasons with the Whitecaps.
This year, the first playoff game will be Wednesday, September 6. The Whitecaps' first round opponent will be either the first or second place finisher from the second half in the Eastern Division. West Michigan has the option to host game one of the best-of-three first round series or games two and three, if necessary.
The Whitecaps are in first place in the Eastern Division, with a half game lead over Lansing. The magic number is 7 for West Michigan to win the division and align a first round match up with the second half's second place finisher.
2000 marked the last time the Whitecaps won the first half when they finished with a record of 44-26, 6.5 games in front of Fort Wayne in the East.
West Michigan must finish ahead of Lansing in the standings to win the division because the Lugnuts won two of the three first half meetings between the two teams.
Seven games remain on the Whitecaps first half schedule, including three at Fifth Third Ballpark in two days against Fort Wayne, Thursday and Friday. Lansing has six games remaining in the half.
Whitecaps playoff tickets will go on sale at a later date.
Unfinished Business: The Whitecaps will try to take another step toward the first half Eastern Division title on Monday in Dayton. LHP Luke French (5-3, 3.68) will be on the mound for West Michigan against Dragons RHP Carlos Fisher (5-3, 3.24). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Whitecaps pre game show begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1340 AM WBBL and at wbbl.com.
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