Trampled by the Hit Parade

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Bolstered by a five-run fourth inning and a 15-hit performance, the West Michigan offense overwhelmed the Loons on Monday night in an 8-5 defeat at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Whitecaps (5-6; 44-34) defeated the Loons (5-7; 34-48) for the second year in a row on the Fourth of July and move to 6-1 against Great Lakes this season. Right-hander Sandy Baez (W, 7-3) started and took home the win with a five-inning effort, while fellow righty Drew Smith earned his third save.

Trailing 3-1, West Michigan sounded off for five runs and six hits in the bottom of the fourth and chased Loons right-handed starter Imani Abdullah (L, 1-3) off the mound. The Whitecaps began the frame with four straight hits, including a two-RBI triple by lefty Cam Gibson to tie the game at three. West Michigan took the lead for good on righty Arvicent Perez' RBI single to score Gibson from third.

The fireworks display from West Michigan's offense diminished the achievements of the Loons' bats, which produced 11 hits. Lefty Noah Perio enjoyed his fifth multi-hit game in eight games played with the Loons, while fellow lefty Matt Jones tripled in the top of the fourth and registered his first multi-hit game since May 26 at South Bend.

Although the Loons shaved two runs off the deficit in the top of the seventh, the 'Caps countered with an unearned run after stretch time off righty Angel German. Switch-hitter David Gonzalez drove in another insurance run in the bottom of the eighth off right-handed reliever Brian Bass. The Loons committed three errors in the loss.

The birds hunt for their first win of the series Tuesday night beginning at 7 p.m. Left-hander Michael Boyle (5-5, 2.56) starts for the Loons against righty Beau Burrows (5-4, 2.79), the Tigers first-round draft choice in 2015. Pregame coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN 100.9-FM.

The Great Lakes Loons, hosts of the 2017 Midwest League All-Star Game, have been a Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers since the team's inception in 2007 and are in their 10th season. For tickets and more information about the Loons, call 989-837-BALL or visit Loons.com.