FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps picked up where they left off as Elvin Rodriguez tossed seven strong innings as part of a 5-3 win over the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday night at Parkview Field.The victory extends West Michigan's win streak to five games, dating back to
FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps picked up where they left off as Elvin Rodriguez tossed seven strong innings as part of a 5-3 win over the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday night at Parkview Field.
The victory extends West Michigan's win streak to five games, dating back to their 9-6 come-from-behind win over the Great Lakes Loons last Thursday at Dow Diamond.
Rodriguez (5-3) continued a dominant run on the mound, allowing just one run in seven innings of work while striking out five. The 20-year old earned his fifth win of the season and holds a 1.24 ERA in his last six starts spanning 36.1 IP.
Dylan Rosa's RBI-single in the second inning got the Whitecaps on the scoreboard to take a 1-0 lead. West Michigan plated three runs in the next frame highlighted by a two-run double from Rey Rivera. After building a 5-0 lead, the TinCaps sparked their offense with home runs from Robbie Podorsky and Esteury Ruiz to bring the score to 5-3, but Johan Belisario pitched the final two innings to complete the victory.
Fort Wayne starter Mackenzie Gore (0-2), one of the top prospects in the Midwest League, allowed four runs in three innings to take his second loss of the season. The Whitecaps improve to 37-34 with the victory, while the TinCaps fall to 32-38 with the loss. Jose Azocar led the offense with a three-hit performance but watched his incredible streak of five straight games with a triple come to an end. Rivera and Colby Bortles each drove in a pair of runs in the win. The game was originally scheduled to be played as a doubleheader, but a three-hour rain delay forced the twin-bill to be postponed until Sunday afternoon.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue their series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Saturday at 7:05 pm. Pitcher Jesus Rodriguez gets the start for the Whitecaps against Fort Wayne righty Luis Patiño. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:55 pm. Tickets are available for any Whitecaps 2018 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
Box Score
