Defense Dazzles in 8-1 Win
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps built an early lead and never looked back as they defeated the Dayton Dragons by a score of 8-1 in front of 4,041 fans Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Whitecaps stormed out of the gate, striking for three runs in the opening inning. Run-scoring singles by first baseman Will Allen and outfielder Jose Azocar gave West Michigan a 3-0 advantage. In the second, a two-run single by second baseman Brett Pirtle extended the 'Caps lead to 5-0. A sixth inning RBI-single by Dragons shortstop Luis Gonzalez in the sixth accounted for all of Dayton's offense in the contest. West Michigan responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning highlighted by a two-run double from Allen into the right-field corner to complete the scoring in the contest.
The Whitecaps also made a number of dazzling defensive plays in the contest, including an over-the-shoulder catch by outfielder Derek Hill to rob Dragons catcher Tyler Stephenson of extra bases in the fifth.
WATCH: Derek Hill's Amazing Over-the-Shoulder Catch
Hall (2-0) earns his second win for a dominant performance spanning six innings while Dragons starter Tanner Rainey (0-3) gets his third loss after giving up five runs in 3.1 frames. Catcher Shane Zeile led the 'Caps offense, going 4-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Friday's victory helps the Whitecaps climb back over the .500 mark with an 8-7 record, while Dayton falls to 3-13 in 2016.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue this four-game series against the Dayton Dragons with a 4:00p.m. contest on Saturday afternoon from Fifth Third Ballpark. Beau Burrows gets the start for West Michigan against Dragons lefty Jacob Constante. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Steve Lloyd-Jones begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 3:50p.m. Tickets can be reserved for Saturday's game, and any 2016 home contest by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.