Squandered opportunities haunt Captains
(Fort Wayne, IN) - The Lake County Captains (26-38, 55-79) had their opportunities on Wednesday night, but left too many of them on the table in a loss that mathematically eliminated them from playoff contention for the fourth straight season. The Captains left 19 runners on base and stranded eight
(Fort Wayne, IN) - The Lake County Captains (26-38, 55-79) had their opportunities on Wednesday night, but left too many of them on the table in a loss that mathematically eliminated them from playoff contention for the fourth straight season. The Captains left 19 runners on base and stranded eight in scoring position in a 3-1 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps (31-33, 63-70) to open up a three-game series at Parkview Field.
Lake County had its first chance to put a run on the board in the second.
Fort Wayne took the lead the following half inning. In the bottom of the second,
The Captains missed another chance to score in the third, leaving runners on the corners, but Lake County knotted the score in the fourth. Berardi led off the frame with his second single and then stole second. Reeves came up next and hit a grounder to shortstop.
Cosgrove went on a roll after the game-tying error. The left-hander retired nine straight batters to finish his outing. After the TinCaps' starter finished off his second straight perfect inning in the top of the sixth, his offense came through in the bottom of the frame. Vasquez needed just 48 pitches to get through the first five frames, but Fort Wayne battled him tooth and nail in the sixth.
Lake County had a pair of chances to tie the score in the last two innings. Facing
The Captains again knocked on the door in the ninth. With
Cosgrove (3-6) picked up the victory. The southpaw tossed six strong innings, allowing just one run on seven hits, all of which were singles. He struck out four and walked none.
Vasquez (6-7) took the loss. The right-hander worked six innings and gave up three runs on seven hits. He struck out three and did not issue a walk.
Lake County was mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with five games remaining. The Captains and TinCaps play the second game of a three-game series on Thursday night. First pitch at Parkview Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Information about Classic Park or the Captains can be found online at www.captainsbaseball.com and by phone at 440-954-WINS (9467). Affordable ticket packages and group party and picnic options are available now.