Whitecaps Losing Streak Reaches Five
COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps offensive struggles continued as the Great Lakes Loons pitching staff dominated in a 4-1 loss Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark. Loons pitching struck out 14 'Caps hitters as West Michigan finished 1-for-10 with runners scoring position in the defeat. Meanwhile, Brayan Peña
COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps offensive struggles continued as the Great Lakes Loons pitching staff dominated in a 4-1 loss Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark.
Loons pitching struck out 14 'Caps hitters as West Michigan finished 1-for-10 with runners scoring position in the defeat. Meanwhile, Brayan Peña was ejected for the first time as manager after arguing a check-swing call in the sixth inning.
In the third inning, the Whitecaps jumped in front as Wenceel Perez blasted a solo home run, his fourth of the season, to put West Michigan in front 1-0. Tigers No. 6 prospect Ty Madden got the start for West Michigan, tossing five innings with four strikeouts before allowing a two-run home run to Eddys Leonard, putting Great Lakes in front 2-1. The 'Caps surrendered a pair of runs the following inning as two bases-loaded walks extended the Loons advantage to 4-1. After the walks, Peña was ejected by home plate umpire Kevin Levine after taking reliever Bryce Tassin out of the ballgame. The Whitecaps couldn't manage a hit past the sixth inning as loons closer Jose Hernandez slammed the door, striking out Jake Holton to end the ninth inning and earn Great Lakes the victory.
Loons reliever Carlos Alejo (1-0) gets his first win, tossing one shutout inning with a strikeout as Hernandez tossed a scoreless ninth to up his second save. Ty Madden (1-2) suffers his second defeat, allowing just two runs (none earned) through five innings of work. The Loons improve to 8-10 on the year as the Whitecaps fall to 7-11. The Whitecaps have now dropped nine out of their last ten games. Catcher Mike Rothenberg reached base three times, including a double in a losing cause.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps and Great Lakes Loons continue their six-game series from LMCU Ballpark on Friday at 6:35 pm. Pitcher Keider Montero gets the start for West Michigan against the Loons Gavin Stone. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2022 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.