Smith Tallies Three RBI in 6-4 Win over Whitecaps

Connor Smith Tallies Three RBI as Captains Defeat Whitecaps 6-4
 (Eastlake, OH) - Connor Smith had three hits and three runs batted in and led the Lake County Captains (25-23, 65-52) to a 6-4 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps (16-32, 37-80) on Saturday Night at Classic Park. Smith and the Captains took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, capped by a double by Smith and the Captains never looked back en route to the two-run victory.
            The Captains struck first. With a runner on first base, Connor Smith tripled to right center field, and the runner from first scored and it was an early 1-0 lead. The Captains tacked on another and led 2-0 after two innings.
West Michigan took the lead in the top of the fourth inning. The Whitecaps plated three runs on two hits, including an RBI single by John Valente, and a wild pitch which scored a run. The Whitecaps led 3-2 after four innings.
            After the Captains re-took the lead in the fifth inning, the Whitecaps scored another run in the top half of the sixth inning to make the game a one-run contest. With the bases loaded, the Whitecaps scored their second run of the night on a wild pitch, and the score was 5-4 through six innings.
            In the bottom of the seventh the Captains scored an insurance run to cushion their lead. Connor Smith was at it again as he singled to left-center field and scored Jonathan Engelmann who singled himself to begin the inning. The score after seven innings was 6-4 Captains. That was the final.
Lake County gave the ball to RHP Alex Royalty. Royalty pitched four innings and did not get a decision. Royalty allowed three earned runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Luis Araujo (3-4) earned the win after he pitched one and two thirds innings in relief and allowed one earned run on three hits. Araujo walked one and struck out one. Tim Herrin pitched one and two thirds innings of scoreless baseball. Herrin struck out one and walked two. Jake Miednik pitched the final two innings allowing just one walk, and striking out two. Miednik earned the save, his second of the season.
West Michigan gave the ball to Jose Rodriguez. Rodriguez did not get a decision after twirling just one and two thirds innings. Rodriguez allowed two earned runs while allowing three hits, two walks and he struck out two. West Michigan used three other pitchers in relief. The Whitecaps bullpen allowed four earned runs on seven hits walking one and striking out ten. The loss went to Zac Shepherd (0-1) his first of the season.
The Captains are expected to start LHP Zach Draper (7-2, 2.71) while West Michigan will counter with RHP Brad Bass (3-3, 2.57) in game two of the three game series on Sunday. First pitch for Sunday's game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Sunday is the first of two Sunday Night Fireworks Nights presented by Discount Drug Mart.
The Captains have affordable ticket packages and group outings are available for purchase now and more information may be found at www.CaptainsBaseball.com or by calling 440-954-WINS (9467).