Maybin impressive, but Whitecaps fall

Cameron Maybin started off his professional career with a bang, but it wasn't enough for a win as visiting Fort Wayne beat West Michigan, 5-3, on Thursday.

Maybin, the Detroit Tigers' first pick in last year's draft, showed off some of his coveted tools in his first game. The Whitecaps' new center fielder displayed solid hitting by lacing an outside fastball from Wizards pitcher Jon Link to right field and used his speed to turn the hit into a triple.

"It was nice to play good in my first game, but it would have been better if we got the win," said Maybin, who celebrated his 19th birthday just two days ago. "But once we get our reps in, we'll probably get some 'W's' on the board."

Maybin scored later that inning and finished the game 2-for-4. He also played flawlessly in center, making a rare 8-4 double play in the eighth inning and a diving catch in the ninth.

While Maybin was running all over Fifth Third Ballpark, the Fort Wayne batters were busy leaving it, hitting three home runs over the course of the game. Designated hitter Daryl Jones and first baseman Kyle Blanks broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth with back-to-back home runs off West Michigan pitcher Jake Baxter. Blanks also had a game-tying, two-run homer in the second as he went 2-for-4 on the night.

Link (1-0) picked up the win for the Wizards, going two innings while allowing a run on one hit while striking out a batter. Neil Jamison picked up the save with a hitless ninth.

Baxter (0-1) suffered the loss as a result of the two home runs in the eighth. The 22-year-old righty gave up two runs on three hits and a walk over an inning of work. West Michigan starter Lucas French gave his squad a solid outing, striking out seven over four innings, but allowed three runs -- two earned -- on four hits and two walks.

Both teams meet again at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, April 7 at 6:35 p.m. ET.