Kernels take First Game of Road Swing
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The West Michigan Whitecaps found themselves on the losing end of a pitcher's duel as they fell 1-0 to the Cedar Rapids Kernels Tuesday night at Perfect Game Field.
The only run of the night scored in the second inning when Kernels third baseman Sean Miller bounced a two-out RBI-single up the middle to give Cedar Rapids all the offense they'd need in the contest. Kernels starter Randy LeBlanc (2-2) earned his second victory for tossing six shutout innings without walking a batter and striking out four. Whitecaps starter Sandy Baez (0-3) took his third loss in three starts despite allowing just a run in five frames. Cedar Rapids reliever Jon Curtiss pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his second save of the season. The Whitecaps fall back to .500 at 9-9, while the Kernels improve to 11-8. Whitecaps outfielder Jose Azocar enjoyed a 2-for-4 performance to go along with a stolen base, and a pair of outfield assists, including throwing out Cedar Rapids second baseman Luis Arraez at home plate to complete a double play in the sixth inning. The loss comes at the beginning of a six-game road trip for the 'Caps to be split between Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities.
WILL'S WEEKLY WINNER
Early Tuesday, Whitecaps infielder Will Maddox was named Midwest League Player of the Week after going 11-for-18 (.611) during the teams' seven-game homestand last week. During the stretch, Maddox ripped a pair of doubles and collected two RBI. Thus far, the native of Gainesville, GA has hit .405 with five doubles, four RBI and two stolen bases through 12 games of 2016.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue this three-game series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Wednesday night at 7:35p.m. Jordan Smith makes his second start for West Michigan against Kernels right-hander Andro Cutura. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 7:25p.m. Tickets can be reserved for any 2016 home contest by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.