MWL1 West Michigan Whitecaps

Whitecaps Shut Out Loons For 6-0 Win

Published on August 5, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release


COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps threw a combined shutout and pulled away late during a 6-0 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (15-24, 41-67) got a 3-for-3 effort from Jeff Rowland and three RBI from Corey Jones, including a crucial two-run single in the seventh that helped the Whitecaps cement the victory. Great Lakes (30-9, 73-35), the best team record-wise in all of full-season affiliated baseball, was held scoreless for just the fourth time all season.

The Whitecaps did not waste any time taking a lead on Thursday night. Jamie Johnson drew a walk to lead off the bottom of the first and advanced to third when Hernan Perez sliced a single to right-center. Corey Jones followed with a bouncing ball that skipped past the first baseman, scoring Johnson and moving Perez to third. Wade Gaynor then ripped a hot smash that caromed off the third baseman and into left, allowing Perez to cross the plate for a 2-0 advantage.

That lead stood up thanks to a resilient effort from the West Michigan pitching staff.

Jared Wesson (4-1) started and earned the victory with five shutout innings, overcoming four walks in part thanks to five strikeouts. Zach Samuels followed with two frames of relief before Kenny Faulk finished the shutout in the ninth. Although the Loons benefitted from seven hits and five walks, all seven hits were singles and the Whitecaps trio forced Great Lakes to strand nine runners on the evening.

It was still a two-run game in the seventh when West Michigan pulled away.

The Whitecaps loaded the bases with nobody out but nearly squandered the rally. Perez struck out swinging for the first out, and pinch-runner Michael Rockett was caught trying to steal home on a botched suicide squeeze for the second. Later in the at-bat, however, a wild pitch advanced runners to second and third for Jones. The seventh-round pick out of Cal St.-Fullerton battled the count full before salvaging the rally with a two-run single to left that double the lead to 4-0.

West Michigan added two more in the eighth on a throwing error and a run-scoring single by Rowland, who reached base in all four of his plate appearances. Thanks to the four late runs, the 'Caps pulled away for the 6-0 victory.

Josh Wall (7-5) suffered the loss for Great Lakes, charged with four runs on eight hits and four walks over seven innings of work.

Rehabbing Detroit Tigers' star Carlos Guillen joins the Whitecaps for the final game of a seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, August 6, at 7:00 p.m. against the Great Lakes Loons. RHP Victor Larez (6-9, 4.96) is scheduled to take the hill for West Michigan against RHP Matt Magill (6-2, 3.57) of the Loons. In addition to Guillen's rehab appearance, former Tiger great Mike Henneman will also be on hand as part of the Tiger Friday series. The first 1,000 fans will receive Tigers hats and the crowd will be treated to a post-game fireworks show presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

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Midwest League Stories from August 5, 2010


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