Whitecaps Take Down Silver Hawks in Season Opener

Published on April 9, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


Comstock Park, MI - A strong starting pitching performance and timely hitting led the West Michigan Whitecaps to a 5-2 victory over the South Bend Silver Hawks on opening night of the 2009 Midwest League season.

Whitecaps starter Casey Crosby (WP, 1-0) kept the hitters guessing while outfielder Ben Guez had two doubles, two runs, and two RBI to pace the offense for the Whitecaps as they defeated the Hawks on opening night for the second year in a row.

West Michigan put the first runs on the board in the bottom of the third inning against Silver Hawks starter Trevor Harden (LP, 0-1). Gustavo Nunez reached on an infield single with one out, and came around to score on a double by Guez with two down. Brandon Douglas and Jordan Newton each followed with singles, bringing in Guez to give the Whitecaps a 2-0 lead.

West Michigan tacked on a third run in the fifth inning. Guez doubled to start the inning, went to third on a single by Douglas, and scored on a Ronnie Bourquin single with two outs for the 3-0 lead.

South Bend's offense had trouble getting started against Crosby. The left-hander set down the first 13 batters he faced, including seven strikeouts. The Silver Hawks finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning, scoring two runs on a double by Jake Elmore to bring South Bend within one at 3-2.

However, the Whitecaps added two insurance runs in the eighth inning, including another RBI for Guez, to stretch the lead to 5-2. Closer Tyler Stohr (SV, 1) finished out the game for West Michigan, setting down the Hawks 1-2-3 in the ninth to earn his first save of the year.

The season opening series continues Friday evening in Michigan with a 6:35 PM first pitch. Pregame coverage begins at 6:15 PM on 1490 ESPN Radio and online at www.silverhawks.com. The Silver Hawks will give the ball to LHP Wade Miley (1-1, 4.91 ERA in ‘08) for his first start of the year, while West Michigan counters with RHP Luke Putkonen (2-1, 3.65 ERA in ‘08).

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Midwest League Stories from April 9, 2009


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