COMSTOCK PARK, MI - A cold season opener did not deter the West Michigan Whitecaps as they rallied from an early deficit and defeated the South Bend Cubs 6-2 at Fifth Third Ballpark Thursday night.Whitecaps starter Dane Myers experienced a turbulent first inning, surrendering his only earned run despite striking
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - A cold season opener did not deter the West Michigan Whitecaps as they rallied from an early deficit and defeated the South Bend Cubs 6-2 at Fifth Third Ballpark Thursday night.
Whitecaps starter Dane Myers experienced a turbulent first inning, surrendering his only earned run despite striking out the side. Left-handed starter Ricky Tyler Thomas started strong and paced the Cubs early with three strikeouts in the first two innings. The 'Caps managed a third-inning rally highlighted by a two-run double down the right-field line off the bat of Jordan Pearce and a 2-1 advantage.
Whitecaps newcomer Alexis Garcia belted his first professional home run in the fifth inning, a towering solo shot to left field which upped the 'Caps lead to 3-1. A wild pitch, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Pearce all contributed to three more runs in the 'Caps seventh inning, and a 6-1 lead.
The combined relief efforts of Burris Warner and Clate Schmidt relinquished only one earned run and three hits over the final five innings and secured the win for the Whitecaps in the first game of a two-game series. Myers (1-0) earned the win for West Michigan, scattering three walks, four hits and striking out five during four innings of work. Warner struck out five Cubs to contribute to a twelve strikeout performance by Whitecaps pitching. Seven of the eight 'Caps starters reached base in a balanced attack, as Joey Morgan and Garcia both tallied two of the nine total hits. Cole Peterson scored two runs on the night, and Pearce knocked in three runs for West Michigan, who have won 17 of 25 season openers in their history. Thomas (0-1) took the Cubs loss, going five innings, giving up four hits and allowing only one earned run.
The Whitecaps continue their season-opening series against the South Bend Cubs Friday at 6:35 p.m. Pitcher Eudis Idrogo gets the start for West Michigan against South Bend pitcher Javier Assad. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Mike Coleman begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:25 p.m. Tickets can be reserved for any Whitecaps 2018 home contest by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or by visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
