2010 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker

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'CAPS OPEN ROAD TRIP WITH HARD-FOUGHT LOSS
04/30/2010 9:20 PM ET

SOUTH BEND, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps did not go down without a fight on Friday night at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, but ended up on the losing end of a 4-2 score in the first game of a four-game set against the South Bend Silver Hawks.

West Michigan (7-15) was stifled by Silver Hawks starter Charles Brewer in the opening game of a seven-game road trip. South Bend (10-12) has won the first four meetings of the season-series between the two clubs.

Brewer (2-2) was brilliant on Friday, using impeccable fastball command to throw six scoreless innings of two-hit baseball. He struck out seven without issuing a walk and only one of the two hits against him left the infield. Brewer set down 12 batters in a row at one point and registered 1-2-3 frames in four of his six innings pitched.

Meanwhile, the Silver Hawks jumped onto the scoreboard early in the bottom of the first. On an evening featuring 22 mph winds, Chris Owings lifted a high fly ball to shallow right that dropped in behind the second baseman for a gift single. One pitch later, Bobby Borchering clubbed a two-run homer to left as the home team snatched a 2-0 lead.

South Bend pushed the lead to 4-0 with a sacrifice fly by Owings in the second and a two-out, run-scoring double by David Nick in the fifth.

The Whitecaps threatened late in the game as three consecutive singles in the top of the eighth loaded the bases with nobody out. Mike Gosse hit a grounder to second that scored the 'Caps first run, but South Bend turned it into a 4-6-3 double play that helped minimize the damage. Wade Gaynor delivered a two-out single that cut the deficit to 4-2 and West Michigan eventually put runners at second and third, but Michael Rockett struck out swinging with the potential game-tying run in scoring position to end the threat.

A one-out single by Hernan Perez in the ninth brought the game-tying run to the plate, but the Whitecaps were unable to finish the comeback.

Yonata Ortega (6) earned the four-out save by skirting out of trouble in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Jade Todd (0-4) suffered the loss for West Michigan after allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game road trip with a 5:30 p.m. first pitch in South Bend on Saturday, May 1. RHP Victor Larez (1-3, 2.82) will start for West Michigan against RHP Eric Smith (2-1, 0.75) of the Silver Hawks in the second game of the four-game set. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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WHITECAPS LOSE RAIN-SHORTENED AFFAIR
05/01/2010 7:38 PM ET

SOUTH BEND, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps had to battle both Mother Nature and the South Bend Silver Hawks in a five-inning, rain-shortened 8-4 loss on Saturday evening at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium.

West Michigan (7-16) overcame an early four-run deficit to tie the score before falling behind for good and losing for the 11th time in their last 13 games. With the rain already falling, South Bend (11-12) worked quickly to get through the top of the fifth inning and make the ballgame official.

The Silver Hawks burst onto the scoreboard in the opening frame with four consecutive one-out hits. After singles by Chris Owings and Bobby Borchering, Matt Davidson plated the first run with a double to right-center. David Nick followed with run-scoring single and came around later on a two-out base hit by Alberto Diaz for a 3-0 advantage.

South Bend made it 4-0 with an unearned run in the second, but the Whitecaps came roaring back with a big rally in the top of the third. West Michigan loaded the bases with one away thanks to a walk to Eric Roof, a single by Hernan Perez and a free pass to Jamie Johnson. Mike Gosse cut the deficit in half with a two-run single past the first baseman and Wade Gaynor drove in a run with a fielder's choice groundout. After a base hit by Jordan Lennerton put runners at first and second, Avisail Garcia lined a single to left that plated Gaynor to even the score at 4-4.

The deadlock was short-lived, however.

With two outs and the bases empty in the bottom of the third, Alberto Diaz singled to extend the inning. Two pitches later, Errol Hollinger belted a long home run to left field that put the Silver Hawks back on top, 6-4.

In the fourth, South Bend added to the advantage. Keon Broxton led off with a triple and scored on a groundout. Later in the frame, Nick clubbed a two-out double off the top of the wall in left that plated another run and pushed the lead to 8-4.

But the rain began to fall in the bottom of the fourth and steadily picked up as the game went on. When the third out was recorded in the top of the fifth and the game became official, the umpires promptly put the game into a rain delay that lasted approximately 32 minutes before it was officially called.

Eric Smith (3-1) beat the Whitecaps for the second time in six days despite the rain-shortened outing, allowing four runs on six hits over five frames. He struck out three and walked three. Smith set down the first seven batters he faced to run his scoreless innings streak to 23.1 frames before West Michigan got to him in the top of the third.

Victor Larez (1-4) suffered the loss for the 'Caps after getting knocked around for eight runs on nine hits in just 3.1 innings. He struck out three, walked two and allowed a home run.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game road trip with a 2:00 p.m. first pitch in South Bend on Sunday, May 2. LHP Giovanni Soto (1-2, 2.45) will start for West Michigan against RHP Chase Anderson (1-3, 2.53) of the Silver Hawks in the third game of the four-game set. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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SILVER HAWKS STUN 'CAPS WITH FOUR RUNS IN NINTH
05/02/2010 5:33 PM ET

SOUTH BEND, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps tied a season-high with 16 hits and took a three-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday, only to watch the South Bend Silver Hawks plate four runs and walk off with a 6-5 win at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium.

West Michigan (7-17) led for nearly the entire game and got four-hit efforts from both Avisail Garcia and Alexis Espinoza, but stranded 15 runners in losing for the 12th time in their last 14 games. South Bend (12-12) will look for the series sweep on Monday morning after pulling off the dramatic improbable comeback on Sunday.

The Whitecaps led 5-2 when closer Melvin Mercedes took the mound for the bottom of the ninth. After issuing a walk to open the frame, he allowed one-out singles to the eighth and ninth hitters that loaded the bases. With the top of the Silver Hawks' order up, Keon Broxton singled to right and Chris Owings was hit by a pitch as South Bend cut the lead to 5-4.

West Michigan went to the bullpen and brought in Jose Ortega to try and stop the bleeding, but Bobby Borchering swung at Ortega's first pitch and tied the score with an RBI-groundout. The next batter was Matt Davidson, who clubbed a 1-0 pitch to the base of the wall in left-center that brought home Broxton for the 6-5, walk-off winner.

Keny Sosa (1-0) earned the win out of the Silver Hawks bullpen after recording the last two outs in the top of the ninth. Mercedes (1-1) was charged with the loss as well as all four ninth-inning runs, while Ortega was issued a blown save.

The heart-breaking loss ended a contest in which West Michigan seemed to be in control from the outset. The Whitecaps seized the lead early with single runs in each of the first three innings, all of which crossed the plate with two outs.

In the first, Wade Gaynor drew a walk and later scored from second on a base hit by Garcia. One inning later, Espinoza led off with an infield single and eventually came in on a base hit by Mike Gosse. In the third, Garcia singled with one out, stole second, and moved to third on a groundout before scoring on an infield single by Hernan Perez. After three innings of play, West Michigan held a 3-0 advantage.

The Silver Hawks slowly chipped away at the lead. Davidson doubled and scored on a two-out single by Alberto Diaz to put South Bend on the board in the fourth. In the sixth, Borchering cranked a solo homer to make it a 3-2 ballgame.

West Michigan added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth. Gaynor reached base on a two-out error in the eighth and scored when Garcia drove his fourth hit of the game up the middle. In the ninth, Espinoza doubled for his fourth hit of the game and came home on a single by Perez to stretch the lead to 5-2.

In the ninth inning, however, South Bend completed a spectacular comeback.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game road trip with the finale of a four-game set in South Bend at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 3. RHP Ramon Lebron (2-1, 4.60) will start for West Michigan against a native of Jenison, Michigan, LHP Dan Taylor (1-1, 5.49) of the Silver Hawks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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WHITECAPS BOUNCE BACK WITH SHUTOUT WIN
05/03/2010 1:46 PM ET

SOUTH BEND, IN - After dropping a heart-breaker on Sunday afternoon, the West Michigan Whitecaps bounced back with a 3-0 shutout victory over the South Bend Silver Hawks on Monday morning at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium.

West Michigan (8-17) took a three-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning for a second consecutive day, but redeemed themselves with the win on Monday as Ramon Lebron and Cory Hamilton combined on a seven-hit shutout. South Bend (12-13) got a solid start from Dan Taylor, a native of Jenison, Michigan, who suffered the tough-luck loss.

Lebron (3-1, 3.32) turned in his best outing of the year, striking out six batters over six scoreless innings while allowing four hits and walking one. After allowing a pair of hits in the opening frame, he retired 13 of the next 14 batters he faced and cruised through the rest of his outing.

The Whitecaps eventually won the race to the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. With one out, Alexis Espinoza smoked a line-drive single up the middle that snapped a string of 13 consecutive batters retired by Taylor. After a double by Luis Salas advanced Espinoza to third, a wild pitch brought him home for a 1-0 lead.

West Michigan added a pair of key insurance runs in the top of the ninth. They got some help with one out when Jordan Lennerton was hit by a pitch and Avisail Garcia drew a walk. Espinoza followed with a double that bounced inside the third base line to score Lennerton and place runners at second and third. Luis Salas added a sacrifice fly as Garcia crossed the plate for a 3-0 advantage.

Reliever Cory Hamilton (1) made the lead stand up with three strong innings of scoreless relief. He worked around singles in each frame, stranding the potential game-tying run at third base in the eighth and inducing a game-ending double-play ball in the ninth to earn the save.

Espinoza led the offense with a 2-for-4 effort that included a run and an RBI.

Taylor (1-2) suffered the loss for South Bend despite a solid outing. The southpaw out of Central Michigan University allowed one run on three hits over six innings of work.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game road trip with a three-game set at Great Lakes that begins with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Tuesday, May 4. RHP Trevor Feeney (2-2, 3.09) will start for West Michigan against RHP Elisaul Pimentel (1-1, 2.70) of the Loons. The 'Caps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 7, for a 6:35 p.m. game at which the first 1,000 fans will receive a Brandon Inge Bobblehead Doll presented by Pepsi. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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TWO-OUT RALLY LEADS 'CAPS TO VICTORY
05/04/2010 11:11 PM ET

MIDLAND, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps exploded for all five of their runs with a two-out rally in the top of the sixth inning on Tuesday night, winning the first game of a three-game series against the Great Lakes Loons, 5-4, at the Dow Diamond.

West Michigan (9-17) rallied for five consecutive two-out hits to spark the victory, while starter Trevor Feeney twirled eight strong innings to keep the potent Great Lakes (16-9) offense in check.

The Whitecaps trailed 3-0 heading into the sixth, and Loons' starter Elisaul Pimenetel had retired 16 of the 17 batters he faced when Michael Rockett dumped a one-out flare-single into shallow center. He was standing at second base when the two-out hit parade began.

Mike Gosse bounced a double inside the first base line to score Rockett. After an infield single by Wade Gaynor put men at the corners, Jordan Lennerton's hot smash to the right side glanced off the diving second baseman's glove for a run-scoring single. The tying run crossed the plate when Avisail Garcia hustled out a double to right-center, scoring Gaynor and putting runners at second and third. After a pitching change, Alexis Espinoza grounded the first pitch he saw through the right side for a two-run single. After five consecutive two-out hits, West Michigan had seized a 5-3 advantage.

Great Lakes charged hard in the late-going but the Whitecaps pitching staff was up to the task.

Trevor Feeney (3-2) earned the win with eight strong innings. He struck out seven while allowing three runs on six hits and two walks, notching a quality start for the fifth time in six outings. Feeney saved his best pitching for last, striking out Loons' sluggers Jerry Sands and Brian Cavazos-Galvez on three pitches each with two men aboard to end a dangerous threat in the eighth.

Kenny Faulk (1) pitched the ninth, escaping trouble after issuing a walk and allowing a single to the first two batters he faced. After inducing a pair of fly outs - including a sacrifice fly - Faulk punched out Christian Lara to end the game and earn his first save of the year.

Pimentel (1-2) suffered the loss. Despite setting down the first 10 batters he faced and retiring 16 of the first 17, his night ended with five runs on six hits over 5.2 frames.

The Whitecaps rally came after Great Lakes jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Back-to-back one-out doubles by Cavazos-Galvez and Gorman Erickson led to the first run in the second inning, while a two-run homer by Lenell McGee made it a three-run game in the fifth.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game road trip with the second game of a three-game set at Great Lakes that begins with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday, May 5. The 'Caps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 7, for a 6:35 p.m. game at which the first 1,000 fans will receive a Brandon Inge Bobblehead Doll presented by Pepsi. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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DEFENSE DOES IN 'CAPS AS LOONS RALLY
05/05/2010 11:25 PM ET

MIDLAND, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps jumped out to a 6-0 lead on Wednesday night at the Dow Diamond, but a pair of key defensive misplays allowed the Great Lakes Loons potent offense to storm back for an 8-6 win.

West Michigan (9-18) got an encouraging start from top prospect Jacob Turner, who tossed 3.2 healthy innings after being activated from the Disabled List earlier in the day. Great Lakes (17-9) evened the three-game series with the victory, and the two teams will battle it out with the rubber match in a morning game on Thursday.

Turner held the first nine batters he faced without a hit before serving up a two-run homer to Christian Lara in the third, and two more runs were charged to him after his departure in the fourth. Over 3.1 innings of work, the 18-year-old right-hander was touched for four runs - two earned - on three hits while fanning three and walking one. He threw 31 of his 54 pitches for strikes.

Meanwhile, the West Michigan offense exploded for a sizeable lead.

Michael Rockett doubled to lead off the second inning and used a pair of wild pitches to score the game's first run.

One inning later, a five-run outburst seemingly put the Whitecaps in the driver's seat. After a leadoff walk to Jamie Johnson, Mike Gosse smacked a run-scoring double to center. Later in the frame there were men at first and second when Alexis Espinoza dropped a run-scoring single into right-center. Rockett followed by clubbing a long three-run homer to center as West Michigan jumped out to a 6-0 advantage.

The Loons were on the comeback trail, though, taking advantage of a series of defensive miscues to plate eight consecutive runs.

After Austin Yount reached on an error to lead off the third, Turner struck out the next two batters he faced. But with two away and an extra out to work with, Lara clubbed a two-run homer to right that cut West Michigan's lead to 6-2.

In the bottom of the fourth, another key defensive misplay opened the door for Great Lakes. J.T. Wise and Brian Cavazos-Galvez each singled with one out and moved to second and third on a groundout. After a pitching change, Lenell McGee followed with a two-run single against reliever Nathan Newman that pulled the Loons within 6-4. Newman then walked Rafael Ynoa but appeared to be out of the jam after inducing a fly ball from Lara, but left fielder Luis Salas dropped the would-be third out. Not only did two runs score on the play to tie the game, but each of the next two batters delivered run-scoring hits as Great Lakes seized an 8-6 lead.

Neither team would score the rest of the way. The 'Caps stranded the bases loaded in the fourth and fifth frames and left 12 men on base in all.

Justin Miller (2-0) earned the win with 1.2 scoreless frames out of the bullpen and Luis Vasquez (6) worked the ninth for the save. Newman (0-1) suffered the loss after being charged with four runs on four hits without recording an out.

The Whitecaps conclude their seven-game road trip with the finale of a three-game series at Great Lakes featuring a 10:35 a.m. first pitch on Thursday, May 6. LHP Jade Todd (0-4, 4.44) will take the mound for West Michigan against RHP Brett Wallach (2-0, 2.81) of the Loons. The 'Caps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 7, for a 6:35 p.m. game at which the first 1,000 fans will receive a Brandon Inge Bobblehead Doll presented by Pepsi. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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ESPINOZA, SOTO LEAD 'CAPS TO SERIES WIN
05/06/2010 2:37 PM ET

MIDLAND, MI - Alexis Espinoza and Elvin Soto each collected two hits and two RBI as the West Michigan Whitecaps held on for a 4-3 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday morning at the Dow Diamond.

West Michigan (10-18) also got 4.1 scoreless frames of two-hit relief in taking two of the three from the rival Loons. Great Lakes (17-10) came back to tie the score at one point and continually threatened, but stranded 13 runners on base in the loss.

The Whitecaps took a first-inning lead thanks in part to some wild pitching. Two walks and a hit batsman loaded the bases with two outs, setting the stage for Soto to get his first plate appearance since April 16. Showing no signs of rust, the 20-year-old first baseman turned on the first pitch he saw and ripped a two-run single to right for a 2-0 lead.

The Loons threatened West Michigan's lead in the bottom of the second, but a pair of big plays at the plate kept them off the board. With a man aboard and nobody out, Lenell McGee lined a double down the left field line and Gorman Erickson tried to score from first. But Michael Rockett fired a strike to the plate and Billy Alvino withstood a vicious collision to hold onto the ball. Meanwhile, McGee took third on the play at the dish. The very next pitch was a bouncer to third baseman Luis Palacios, who chased McGee towards the plate and threw him out to extinguish the rally.

Espinoza checked in with a two-out, solo homer in the fifth to push the 'Caps advantage to 3-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, however, the lead disappeared. Christian Lara led off the frame with a towering solo homer to left, but it was a two-out rally later in the inning did the bulk of the damage. Jerry Sands was at second when Brian Cavazos-Galvez lifted a fly ball to deep right. Espinoza drifted back to the wall but the ball caromed off his glove, allowing a run to score on a double. Brian Ruggiano followed with another two-base hit that tied the game at 3-3.

The deadlock remained until the top of the seventh as the 'Caps recaptured the lead with a two-out rally. The bases were empty when Wade Gaynor lined a double that one-hopped the wall in left field. Espinoza followed with a clutch triple to deep center field, plating Gaynor for a 4-3 edge.

The bullpen held on from there, forcing Great Lakes to strand six runners without scoring a run over the last four frames. Victor Larez (2-4) tossed 2.1 innings and allowed just one hit for the victory, while Cory Hamilton (2) earned the save with two scoreless frames at the back end of the bullpen.

The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 7, for a 6:35 p.m. game in which LHP Giovanni Soto (1-2, 2.59) will pitch for West Michigan against RHP Jason McEachern (0-4, 6.75) of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Brandon Inge Bobblehead Doll presented by Pepsi, and four randomly placed bobbleheads will be autographed by Brandon Inge. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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HOT RODS RUN WILD, WIN OPENER
05/07/2010 10:10 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps ran into a small-ball style of baseball that proved to be too much in a 4-1 loss to the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (10-19) struggled to defend against the speedy, bunt-happy Hot Rods in a game that was played through a steady rain and 40-degree temperatures. Bowling Green (9-19) collected eight of their 14 hits on infield singles and swiped six bags to win their fourth consecutive game.

The Hot Rods established their small-ball style of play early by using infield singles and stolen bases to reach the scoreboard.

Mayo Acosta led off the second by squeaking a bouncing ball through the middle of the diamond and Julio Cedeno beat out a bouncer to the left side for an infield single. The two baserunners pulled off a double steal with one out, enabling Acosta to score the game's first run on a groundout by Robi Estrada. On the very next pitch Ty Morrison caught the defense off guard with a drag bunt down the first base line, beating it out for a two-out, run-scoring bunt single and a 2-0 lead.

In the third, Dustin Biell's leadoff single was followed by a double off the bat of Ryan Wiegand to stretch the advantage to 3-0.

West Michigan got on the board in the sixth inning after Avisail Garcia reached on a double and scored on a fielder's choice groundout by Elvin Soto.

During the next half inning, however, the Hot Rods answered. Another infield single from Chris Murrill led off the frame. After stealing second, Murrill scored when an infield bouncer that turned into a throwing error to make it a 4-1 ballgame.

Jason McEachern (1-4) earned the win with six solid innings, scattering seven hits and allowing one run while fanning four and walking one. Alex Koronis (1) pitched a pair of relief innings to earn the save, retiring all six batters he faced and striking out the last five Whitecaps hitters of the game.

Giovanni Soto (1-3) suffered the loss for West Michigan after yielding three runs on 10 hits over five frames. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

The Whitecaps continue their home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, May 8, with a 7:00 p.m. first pitch. RHP Ramon Lebron (3-1, 3.32) will take the hill for West Michigan against RHP Wilking Rodriguez (1-1, 3.21) of the Hot Rods. Fans will be treated to the first post-game fireworks show of the year, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, and are encouraged to dress comfortable as the Whitecaps present a Salute to Sweatpants theme throughout the evening. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS RIDE FOURTH-INNING RALLY TO VICTORY
05/08/2010 10:20 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps got all the offense they needed in one fourth-inning rally on Saturday night, holding on for a 4-2 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods to even their three-game series at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (11-19) scored all four of their runs and collected three of their four hits during a seven-batter stretch in the fourth inning, and will look to take the rubber match of the series on Sunday afternoon. Bowling Green (9-20) kept fighting but stranded 11 runners on base as their four-game winning streak came to an end.

The game was scoreless until the decisive bottom of the fourth when the first five batters of the inning reached base.

Mike Gosse was hit by a pitch, Wade Gaynor drew a walk, and Jordan Lennerton singled to load the bases with nobody out. Avisail Garcia promptly bounced a high chopper over the third baseman's head to start the scoring with a two-run single. West Michigan reloaded the bases on a base hit by Alexis Espinoza, setting the stage for Lennerton to race home on a wild pitch. After Hernan Perez scored Garcia on a sacrifice fly to right, the 'Caps took control with a 4-0 lead.

That was enough for Ramon Lebron (4-1) to earn the win with his second consecutive scoreless outing. The 21-year-old Dominican used seven strikeouts to work around four hits and four walks. He stranded seven Hot Rods baserunners over his five shutout frames, leaving the bases loaded in the fifth.

Bowling Green cut the lead in half in the top of the eighth. After throwing scoreless frames in the sixth and seventh, Whitecaps reliever Jose Ortega allowed a single and issued a walk to the first two batters of the frame. Following a pitching change, Kyle Spraker lined a two-run single to right off Kenny Faulk to pull Bowling Green to within 4-2.

But the Whitecaps were able to hang on. Faulk retired the next three batters to limit the damage and get out of the eighth. In the ninth inning, Melvin Mercedes recovered from a pair of one-out walks to induce consecutive fly outs and secure his third save of the year.

Wilking Rodriguez (1-2) suffered the loss for Bowling Green courtesy of the key fourth-inning rally. He retired 14 of the 16 batters he faced outside of that frame, but in the end was touched for four runs on four hits and three walks over six innings.

The Whitecaps wrap up their home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday, May 9, with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch. RHP Trevor Feeney (3-2, 3.14) will take the hill for West Michigan against LHP Kyle Lobstein (0-2, 5.09) of the Hot Rods. The Whitecaps will be wearing special jerseys for Breast Cancer Awareness day, some of which will be auctioned off to raise money for the Grand Rapids chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It will also be a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day featuring player autographs and catch on the field pre-game as well as kids run the bases post-game. Last but not least, a special Mother's Day Brunch will be hosted in the Pepsi Stadium Club. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive replicas Breast Cancer Awareness jerseys courtesy of Sprint, the first 1,000 kids will eat free and the first 500 mothers will be given Mother's Day Flowers thanks to Holwerda Retail Garden. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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WHITECAPS LOSE WILD ONE, 10-7
05/09/2010 4:55 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Sunday afternoon's ballgame at Fifth Third Ballpark featured 17 runs, 32 hits and six errors on a sunny day in suburban Grand Rapids, but the West Michigan Whitecaps ended up on the short end of a wild 10-7 loss to the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

West Michigan (11-20) got three-hit games from Wade Gaynor and Jordan Lennerton as the offense registered 12 hits, but Bowling Green (10-20) pounded out 20 knocks - including seven infield singles - on their way to winning two of three games in the series.

The Hot Rods jumped out to an early lead with seven hits in the first inning. Tyler Bortnick started the rally with a one-out double and Bowling Green loaded the bases with a pair of infield singles. A third consecutive infield hit by Mayo Acosta scored the first run of the afternoon. Two batters later, Kyle Spraker took a full-count, two-out pitch and lined it to center for a two-run single. Robi Estrada followed with a base hit to reload the bases and Ty Morrison added another two-run single as the Hot Rods seized control with a 5-0 lead.

The two clubs traded runs the rest of the afternoon as the Whitecaps battled back.

With two outs in the bottom of the first, Gaynor and Lennerton drove back-to-back doubles to get West Michigan on the board.

The 'Caps trailed 6-1 when the top of the order rallied in the third. Jamie Johnson doubled to left and moved to third on a line-drive single by Hernan Perez up the middle. Gaynor and Lennerton followed with consecutive run-scoring singles to make it a 6-3 ballgame after four hits in a row, but a double play abruptly halted the rally there.

The deficit was 7-3 when West Michigan tallied single runs in the fourth and fifth. Alexis Espinoza led off the fourth inning with a deep fly to right-center that was lost in the sun and dropped in for a triple, and he scored when the next batter grounded out to short. The fifth-inning rally was started by another two-out double from Gaynor, and when Garcia singled to right the Whitecaps pulled within 7-5.

Bowling Green answered with single runs in the sixth and seventh to make it 9-5, but the 'Caps continued to fight. After Perez drew a leadoff walk and came around to score in the bottom of the seventh, Luis Salas doubled and scored on an error in the eighth to bring West Michigan to within 9-7.

But that was as close as the Whitecaps would get.

Kyle Lobstein (1-2) earned the win for the Hot Rods despite allowing five runs on nine hits over five innings. Scott Shuman (3) tossed the final two frames for the save.

The loss went to Trevor Feeney (3-3, 4.02), who came into play with five quality starts through his first six outings. On Sunday, however, he was roughed up for seven runs - six earned - on 13 hits over four innings of work.

The Whitecaps hit the road to open a three-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Monday, May 10, at Cooley Law School Stadium. RHP Jacob Turner (0-0, 2.13) will take the hill for West Michigan against LHP Aaron Loup (2-0, 1.74) of the Lugnuts. The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday, May 13, to open a seven-game homestand, welcoming the South Bend Silver Hawks to town for an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS START FAST BUT CAN'T HOLD ON
05/10/2010 10:37 PM ET

LANSING, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps shot out of the gates strong on Monday night, but could not hold an early lead in a 6-5 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts at Cooley Law School Stadium.

West Michigan (11-21) jumped ahead 3-0 with three consecutive extra-base hits to open the ballgame, but managed to turn eight singles into just two runs the rest of the way. Lansing (18-14) battled back with speed and timely hitting to win the opener of a three-game series between the in-state rivals.

The Whitecaps waged an early assault on the scoreboard Monday night. Jamie Johnson led off the top of the first by smacking an opposite-field triple off the wall in left-center and Michael Rockett sliced a run-scoring double down the right-field line. Wade Gaynor promptly capped the rally with a mammoth two-run homer to the kid's play area in left, giving West Michigan a 3-0 lead before the game's first out had been recorded.

The Lugnuts battled back in the bottom of the third as Balbino Fuenmayor led off with a double to deep center field. Eric Eiland followed with a bouncer to short and Hernan Perez came up throwing towards third, but Fuenmayor was called safe by base umpire Taro Hamano despite protests from the Whitecaps. The next batter sent another bouncer to Perez, who again tried to cut down the lead runner as Fuenmayor slid home safely. Later in the frame Eiland scored on a sacrifice fly as Lansing cut the deficit to 3-2.

Jordan Lennerton's RBI-single with two outs in the top of the fifth made it a 4-2 lead for West Michigan, but Lansing evened the score with a rally in the bottom half of the inning. Eiland led off with a walk and scored on a double by Kenny Wilson, chasing Whitecaps' starter Jacob Turner from the game. A hit batsman and a walk loaded the bases before a wild pitch allowed Wilson to tie the game at 4-4.

In the sixth, the Lugnuts took the lead. A.J. Jimenez led off with a double, moved to third on a groundout and scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Eiland. Later in the frame a two-out error kept the inning alive, and Ryan Schimpf delivered a run-scoring single to stake Lansing to a 6-4 advantage.

The 'Caps pulled within a run after Eric Roof's third hit of the night plated Mike Gosse with two outs in the eighth. But the Lugnuts countered with closer Steve Turnbull (6), who retired the next four batters in order to earn his sixth save in as many tries this season.

A pair of relievers were credited with the winning and losing decisions. Matt Wright (1-0) was rewarded with the victory after throwing 1.2 scoreless frames for the Lugnuts, while Victor Larez (2-5) suffered the loss after allowing two runs - one earned - on two hits over two frames.

The Whitecaps continue a three-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch on Tuesday, May 11, at Cooley Law School Stadium. LHP Jade Todd (0-4, 4.66) will take the hill for West Michigan against LHP Evan Crawford (1-1, 3.13) of the Lugnuts. The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday, May 13, to open a seven-game homestand, welcoming the South Bend Silver Hawks to town for an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

WHITECAPS RAINED OUT IN LANSING
05/11/2010 2:35 PM ET

LANSING, MI - Tuesday's scheduled game between the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Lansing Lugnuts has been postponed due to rain.

The make-up game has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, when the two clubs will play a doubleheader beginning at 6:05 p.m. at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing. The twin bill will consist of two seven-inning games with a 30-minute break in between.

The Whitecaps finish the current series against the Lansing Lugnuts with a regular nine-inning game at 10:35 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, at Cooley Law School Stadium. LHP Jade Todd (0-4, 4.66) will take the hill for West Michigan.

The 'Caps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday, May 13, to open a seven-game homestand with a 6:35 p.m. start against the South Bend Silver Hawks on an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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GAYNOR HOMERS AGAIN, 'CAPS FALL IN LANSING
05/12/2010 1:50 PM ET

LANSING, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps were no match for talented lefty Evan Crawford in a 7-1 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts on Monday at Cooley Law School Stadium.

West Michigan (11-22) got an early homer and a 2-for-4 effort from Wade Gaynor, but managed just four hits and five baserunners as a team. Lansing (19-14) got a stellar performance from Crawford and a 3-for-4 game from Chris Hopkins on their way to a sweep in the rain-shortened two-game series.

Crawford (2-1) was dominant on Monday, allowing just one run on four hits over eight stifling innings to earn the win. He recorded 17 outs on the ground and retired 15 consecutive batters between the second and sixth innings. Crawford struck out four and walked one.

Each club put a single run on the scoreboard in the opening frame. In the top of the first, Gaynor cleared the berm in left field with a solo shot for his second tape-measure homer in as many games. In the bottom half of the inning, the Lugnuts answered with a two-out rally as Mark Sobolewski singled home Ryan Schimpf for a 1-1 tie.

Lansing took control over the next two frames. The second inning started with a single and a walk before Hopkins and Ryan Goins checked in with run-scoring singles. In the third, Sobolewski led off with a single and scored on an A.J. Jimenez sacrifice fly for a 4-1 advantage.

The Lugnuts went back to work in the sixth as Hopkins delivered a run-scoring two-out single that chased 'Caps starter Jade Todd from the game. Balbino Fuenmayor promptly scored on a wild pitch from reliever Nathan Newman that allowed Hopkins to take second base. Kenny Wilson followed with an infield single that a charging Gaynor could not barehand, and Hopkins raced around third and scored to make it a 7-1 ballgame.

Todd (0-5) suffered the loss for West Michigan, allowing seven runs - six earned - on nine hits over 5.2 innings of work.

The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday, May 13, to open a seven-game homestand with a 6:35 p.m. start against the South Bend Silver Hawks on an Altogas Thrifty Thursday. LHP Giovanni Soto (1-3, 3.07) is slated to take the mound for West Michigan against RHP Chase Anderson (2-3, 2.51) of the Silver Hawks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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ROOF'S BAT, SOTO'S ARM LEAD 'CAPS TO VICTORY
05/13/2010 9:31 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps opened a seven-game homestand in style with a 7-0 win over the South Bend Silver Hawks on Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (12-22) got a standout offensive performance from Eric Roof, who doubled, tripled and drove in four runs as one of five position players to register a multi-hit game. Meanwhile, starter Giovanni Soto led a trio of hurlers in a six-hit shutout against South Bend (16-19).

The game was scoreless until the Whitecaps busted out for a big rally in the bottom of the fourth. After a one-out error allowed Jordan Lennerton to reach base, Avisail Garcia singled him to second and Alexis Espinoza put the 'Caps on the board with a line-drive single to left-center. Mike Gosse drew a walk to load the bases, setting the stage for Eric Roof to deliver the big hit. With a 1-2 count, the left-handed hitting Roof cracked a bases-clearing double that one-hopped the wall in right-center and gave West Michigan a 4-0 advantage.

Soto (2-3) did the rest, striking out eight batters over 6.1 scoreless frames. The 18-year-old lefty allowed just four singles and three walks, as only one Silver Hawks baserunner reached second base against him. When Soto was done, Jose Ortega added 1.2 innings of relief before Melvin Mercedes finished things off in the ninth.

The Whitecaps tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Garcia and Espinoza each singled, putting runners at the corners to open the inning. After a fly out and a pitching change, Garcia raced home on a wild pitch from reliever Chris Odegaard. Roof followed another big hit to right-center, sending a liner that bounced to the wall for an RBI-triple. After Hernan Perez added a run-scoring single, the 'Caps took a commanding 7-0 lead.

In addition to Roof's big game, Perez went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Garcia, Espinoza and Michael Rockett added two knocks apiece as West Michigan totaled 12 hits as a team.

Chase Anderson (2-4) took the loss for South Bend after allowing four runs - three earned - on eight hits over six innings.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 14, with a 6:35 p.m. start against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a special t-shirt presented by Little River Casino Resort. RHP Ramon Lebron (4-1, 2.70) is slated to take the mound for West Michigan against Jenison native LHP Dan Taylor (2-2, 4.22) of the Silver Hawks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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GARCIA'S WALK-OFF LIFTS 'CAPS TO VICTORY
05/14/2010 10:03 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps thrilled fans at Fifth Third Ballpark with their first walk-off win of the season Friday night, using a two-out rally in the 11th inning to deliver a 4-3 win over the South Bend Silver Hawks.

After a wild opening frame that saw five combined runs cross the plate, the two clubs combined for just two runs the rest of the way. Ultimately, it was a walk-off single by Avisail Garcia that gave West Michigan (13-22) their second consecutive win to open a seven-game homestand while South Bend (16-20) dropped their fourth straight.

The game was tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the 11th when Wade Gaynor came through with a big two-out double to extend the inning. On a 2-2 pitch, Garcia drove him in with a liner to left-center that cleared the short-stop and sent the home fans into a frenzy with a 4-3 win.

Kenny Faulk (1-0) earned the victory with three shutout innings out of the bullpen. Bradin Hagens (0-3) suffered the loss for South Bend, retiring the first two batters he faced in the 11th inning before giving up the game-winning hits.

The dramatic finish overshadowed a game that featured a wild beginning before settling into an excellent display of pitching.

The Silver Hawks took an early lead on Matt Davidson's two-run homer in the top of the first, but the Whitecaps capitalized on a wacky play in the bottom half of the frame to put a three-spot on the board.

Jamie Johnson and Michael Rockett opened the bottom of the first with back-to-back singles and Gaynor followed with a liner to right that dropped in for a base hit. Right fielder Alberto Diaz charged in but misplayed the ball, which rolled past him all the way to the wall. All three runners came around to score on the play as the 'Caps jumped out in front, 3-2.

The starting pitchers took over from there, as neither Ramon Lebron of the Whitecaps or Dan Taylor of the Silver Hawks allowed another run.

Ramon Lebron struck out eight over five innings, allowing just two runs on two hits and retiring the last 11 batters he faced. Taylor countered with seven strong frames, setting down 13 in a row at one point and fanning seven batters while allowing just one earned run (three total) on six hits.

South Bend battled back to even the score in the eighth. David Narodowski led off with a single and moved to second on a base hit by Keon Broxton. After a bunt advanced the runners to second and third, Bobby Borchering tied the game at 3-3 with a run-scoring groundout.

The deadlock remained until the bottom of the 11th, when the Whitecaps ended the night in dramatic fashion.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, May 15, with a 7:00 p.m. start against the South Bend Silver Hawks. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a special bobblehead doll courtesy of Bates Footwear on Safety and Security Night, and fans will also be treated to post-game fireworks presented by Farm Bureau Insurance. RHP Trevor Feeney (3-3, 4.02) is slated to take the mound for West Michigan against LHP Mike Belfiore (1-2, 3.38) of the Silver Hawks. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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FEENEY TWIRLS COMPLETE GAME, 'CAPS WIN
05/15/2010 10:00 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Trevor Feeney was the man of the hour on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark, pitching a complete game victory to lead the West Michigan Whitecaps to a 3-1 win over the South Bend Silver Hawks in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 7,520.

Feeney's nine-inning performance led West Michigan (14-22) to their first three-game winning streak of the season while South Bend (16-21) suffered their sixth consecutive loss.

The Silver Hawks struck early in the top of the first. Keon Broxton doubled to lead off the ballgame, advanced to third on a passed ball and scored on a sacrifice fly by Chris Owings.

That was the end of the story as far as Feeney (4-3) was concerned. The 23-year-old right-hander out of Northern Illinois University allowed only the one unearned run on six hits while fanning seven and issuing one walk. It took him just 107 pitches to navigate through nine steady frames.

Meanwhile, the Whitecaps offense gave him a lead in the bottom of the second. With one away, Avisail Garcia tied the game on an opposite-field solo homer to right. Alexis Espinoza followed with a single and moved all the way to third base after an apparent pickoff turned into a two-base error. With the infield in, Eric Roof lined a base hit up the middle that plated Espinoza for a 2-1 advantage.

West Michigan tacked on another run in the bottom of the sixth. Jordan Lennerton sent a bouncing ball inside the first base line for a leadoff double and advanced to third on a bounce-out by Garcia. One pitch later, Espinoza drove a fly ball to deep right that easily scored Lennerton on a sacrifice fly for a 3-1 edge.

Mike Belfiore (1-3) suffered the loss for South Bend. The lefty was touched for two runs - one earned - on five hits over five innings of work.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday, May 16, with a 1:00 p.m. start against the South Bend Silver Hawks on Foremost Insurance Night. Tigers' first-round pick RHP Jacob Turner (0-0, 3.78) is slated to make his home debut for West Michigan against RHP Charles Brewer (2-3, 1.46) of the Silver Hawks. Sid the Science Kid will be making a special appearance courtesy of WGVU, and a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day means that the first 1,000 kids will eat for free. Pre-game festivities include player autographs and the opportunity to play catch on the field, while kids can run the bases after the game. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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LATE WHITECAPS RALLY FALLS SHORT
05/16/2010 5:02 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps nearly overcame a six-run deficit on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark, but their hard-charging rally ultimately fell short in a 6-5 loss to the South Bend Silver Hawks.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for West Michigan (14-23), but the Whitecaps still took three out of the four games in the series. South Bend (17-21) spoiled the home debut of Detroit Tigers' first-round pick Jacob Turner, who wowed the home crowd with an impressive outing before the late comeback bid stole the show.

The 'Caps were trailing 6-0 and seemingly out of the game when they rallied for four consecutive singles to open up the bottom of the eighth. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Wade Gaynor sent a bouncing ball through the left side of the infield for an RBI-single. Avisail Garcia followed with a sacrifice fly and Alexis Espinoza added a run-scoring groundout as West Michigan cut the deficit to 6-3.

The comeback effort continued against South Bend's Chris Odegaard in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Gosse beat out an infield single and Billy Alvino drew a one-out walk to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate. Jamie Johnson made it a two-run game with a run-scoring single through the left side, but Michael Rockett struck out looking on a disputed pitch over the inside corner. With two away, Gaynor singled to left-center to score Alvino and advance Johnson - the potential game-tying run - to third base. But on a 2-1 pitch, Garcia bounced into a game-ending fielder's choice as the Silver Hawks held on for the 6-5 win.

Odegaard (1) earned his first save of the year while Diogenes Rosario (2-0) was rewarded for five shutout relief innings with the win.

Though Turner (0-1) suffered the loss, the 18-year-old was dominant for most of his outing and carried a two-hit shutout into the sixth inning. He struck out seven batters over 5.1 frames and was charged with two runs on four hits and one walk. He set down 16 of the first 18 batters he faced before the Silver Hawks finally got to him in the sixth inning.

The game was scoreless into the top of the sixth when Turner won a 12-pitch battle against David Narodowski, striking him out with a curveball to retire his 12th consecutive batter.

From there, however, South Bend was able to break through.

Keon Broxton drew a one-out walk and Chris Owings singled him to second. Bobby Borchering followed with a base hit to right that chased Turner from the game and plated Broxton for the first run of the afternoon. Later in the frame, reliever Luis Sanz was charged with a bases-loaded balk as the Silver Hawks took a 2-0 lead.

South Bend added a single run in the seventh before plating three more in the eighth to take a 6-0 lead.

After a day off on Monday, the Whitecaps resume their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 6:35 p.m. start against the Lake County Captains on Tuesday, May 18. Promotions include Peanut Free Night presented by Grand Rapids Allergy in addition to the standard Fat Tuesday all-you-can-eat ticket package and half-price box and reserved seats for seniors on Bob Evans Senior Night. LHP Jade Todd (0-5, 5.45) is scheduled to start for West Michigan against RHP Danny Salazar (1-1, 5.27) of the Captains. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS DROP SERIES OPENER TO LAKE COUNTY

05/18/2010 10:02 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - A pair of solo home runs were enough to sink the West Michigan Whitecaps in a series-opening 5-2 loss to the Lake County Captains on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (14-24) spent most of the night with a bend-but-not-break mentality, allowing 14 hits but forcing the Captains to strand 12 baserunners. After battling back for a brief 2-1 lead in the middle innings, the Whitecaps watched Lake County (28-11) tied the score with an unearned run in the seventh before taking the lead with a solo homer in the eighth.

Early on, the Captains scored the game's first run on a leadoff homer by Casey Frawley in the third. But that was all the scoring that either starter would allow. While Lake County's Danny Salazar twirled five two-hit innings of shutout baseball, Jade Todd countered by scattering nine hits over six one-run frames for West Michigan.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Whitecaps rallied to take a lead against the Lake County bullpen. Mike Gosse got things started with a one-out double and moved to third after Wade Gaynor reached base on an infield single. With two outs in the inning, Avisail Garcia poked a line drive down the right field line that scored both runners for a triple as West Michigan jumped out to a 2-1 lead.

The 'Caps advantage was short-lived, however.

Frawley led off the top of the seventh with a leadoff single and was standing at second base when Jeremie Tice sent a bouncer down the third base line. Gaynor made a back-handed stab at the play but could not knock it down, and Frawley came around to tie the score at 2-2 on the costly two-out error.

Jason Smit broke the tie in the very next inning, powering a 4-for-5 night with a solo homer that narrowly cleared the fence just inside the foul pole located 317 feet down the left field line. A pair of run-scoring doubles added the insurance in the ninth as Lake County took a 5-2 lead.

Francisco Jimenez (5-1) earned the win with 2.2 innings out of the Captains' bullpen. After allowing a pair of runs in the sixth inning, he retired the last six batters he faced. Preston Guilmet (2) did the rest, setting down all four batters he faced and striking out the side in the ninth for the save.

Nathan Newman (0-2) suffered the loss for the Whitecaps. He was charged with two runs - one earned - on three hits over two innings of work.

The Whitecaps continue their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with an 11:00 a.m. start against the Lake County Captains on Wednesday, May 19. In addition to a School Day, it will also be a Peanut Free Day courtesy of Grand Rapids Allergy and a Wellness Wednesday, meaning that fans can walk the track pre-game and a Priority Health card gets fans $2 off a reserved ticket. LHP Giovanni Soto (2-3, 2.52) is scheduled to start for West Michigan against RHP Austin Adams (1-2, 3.81) of the Captains. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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SOTO TWIRLS GEM, WHITECAPS WIN

05/19/2010 1:57 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps evened up a three-game series against the league-leading Lake County Captains with a 3-1 win on Wednesday morning at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (15-24) got another outstanding pitching performance from Giovanni Soto, who allowed just one unearned run over seven strong innings. Lake County (28-12) had a chance to take the lead in the sixth inning before a key double play put the Whitecaps on track for the victory.

The score was tied at 1-1 when the Captains' Casey Frawley reached third base with just one out in the top of the sixth. But after pitching around the dangerous Bo Greenwell, Soto induced an inning-ending double play ball from Chun Chen to escape the jam.

Moments later, West Michigan seized the opportunity to snatch the lead. Avisail Garcia bounced the first pitch of the bottom of the sixth to third base and reached when Adam Abraham dropped the ball. Two pitchers later, Alexis Espinoza made the Captains pay by splitting the gap in right-center for a run-scoring triple. Espinoza eventually scored on a passed ball with two outs as the Whitecaps took a 3-1 lead.

That was plenty for Soto (3-3), who fired off seven impressive innings while allowing just one unearned run and four hits, all of which were singles. He struck out two, walked one and induced a pair of double play balls. The only two baserunners that reached scoring position against him did so with the aid of an error, as the 19-year-old southpaw from Puerto Rico lowered his ERA to 2.11 with his fourth quality start in eight outings.

Nolan Moody and Jose Ortega (1) each added scoreless innings of relief, and Ortega struck out the side in the ninth to earn his first save of the year.

Marty Popham (3-1) suffered the loss for the Captains after entering in the fourth inning as Lake County's piggyback starter. He was charged with two unearned runs on three hits over four innings, fanning five and walking one.

The scoring started early as the two clubs traded runs in the opening frame.

Lake County took advantage of a one-out error in the top of the first when Garcia misplayed a line drive to right, allowing Argenis Martinez to wind up at third base. Greenwell followed with an RBI-groundout to open the scoring.

In the bottom half of the inning, Jamie Johnson drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third base on a double by Michael Rockett. Johnson promptly scored on a groundout by Wade Gaynor to even the score at 1-1.

The Whitecaps conlcude their seven-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 6:35 p.m. start against the Lake County Captains on Thursday, May 20. In addition to West Michigan Glass Block Night, it will also be an Altogas Thrifty Thursday featuring $2 specials on hot dogs, beer, soda and soft pretzels. RHP Ramon Lebron (4-1, 2.84) is scheduled to start for West Michigan against RHP Trey Haley (3-0, 3.67) of the Captains. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS LOSE FINALE, FINISH HOMESTAND 4-3

05/20/2010 10:46 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Thursday night was a night to forget for the West Michigan Whitecaps, who finished an otherwise strong homestand with a 15-5 loss to the Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (15-25) went 4-3 during the home stretch despite dropping two of three games to the Captains. Lake County (29-12) pounded out 15 hits and took advantage of eight walks and four errors. All nine Captains' batters registered hits and eight of the nine added at least one run scored and one RBI.

The scoring started in the top of the third when Jeremie Tice bounced a two-run double down the third base line. In addition to increasing his league-leading RBI total to 34, the hit also gave Lake County a 2-0 lead.

The Captains proceeded to score three runs in each of the next three innings.

In the fourth, a throwing error allowed a run to score and helped spark another surge by Lake County. Argenis Martinez added an RBI-single and Bo Greenwell followed with a sacrifice fly to push the edge to 5-0. One inning later, a two-run homer by Casey Frawley capped a rally that extended Lake County's lead to 8-1.

The Whitecaps mounted a comeback bid in the middle innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Wade Gaynor smacked a run-scoring double and Avisail Garcia chipped in with an RBI-groundout. After Alexis Espinoza plated Gaynor with a base hit to left, West Michigan cut the deficit to 8-4.

But the Captains kept on coming.

Chun Chen doubled home a pair of runs in the sixth and came around on a base hit by Adam Abraham to make it an 11-4 ballgame.

After Hernan Perez singled and scored for the Whitecaps in the bottom of the sixth, Lake County crossed the plate four more times in the eighth. The first four batters of the inning all reached base and eventually scored. Greg Folgia's two-run double capped the rally, giving Lake County a commanding 15-5 advantage.

Captains' starter Trey Haley lasted just four innings, leaving Antwonie Hubbard (2-0) to earn the win with 2.1 frames of relief.

West Michigan starter Ramon Lebron (4-2) suffered the loss after getting roughed up for five runs - four earned - on six hits and four walks. He struck out six in three innings of work.

The Whitecaps hit the road for an eight-game, seven-day road trip that begins with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Fort Wayne on Friday, May 21. RHP Trevor Feeney (4-3, 3.38) is scheduled to start for West Michigan against LHP Nick Greenwood (3-0, 3.67) of the TinCaps. The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, including a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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SERIES OPENER SUSPENDED DUE TO RAIN
05/21/2010 9:39 PM ET

FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps tried to open a four-game series against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Friday night at Parkview Field, but persistent rains throughout the evening ensured that only Mother Nature could emerge victorious.

After three rain delays totaling one hour and 46 minutes in length - and just one inning and 12 minutes of baseball - the game was suspended in a scoreless tie in the top of the second. Jordan Lennerton was at the plate with a full count, the bases empty and nobody out.

After a 17-minute delay due to heavy late afternoon rains prior to first pitch, a 58-minute delay took place following lighting and rain during the middle of the first inning. Play resumed long enough to get through the bottom of the first, but with Lennerton at the plate leading off the top of the second the skies opened again.

The Whitecaps and TinCaps will resume the suspended game at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday evening. Upon the conclusion of the nine-inning contest, the two clubs will play a shortened seven-inning game to fulfill Saturday's regularly scheduled affair. Victor Larez will take the mound first when play resumes, while Jacob Turner is scheduled to start the second game. There will be a 30-minute break in between the two contests.

West Michigan is beginning an eight-game, seven-day road trip that begins with a four-game weekend series in Fort Wayne before moving to Lansing for a doubleheader on Tuesday followed by single games on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, featuring a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com. -end-

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS WIN SLUGFEST BEFORE DROPPING NIGHTCAP
05/22/2010 10:53 PM ET

FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps started Saturday evening's busy slate of baseball by outlasting the Fort Wayne TinCaps in a slugfest, holding on for a 12-10 win at Parkview Field. In the nightcap, Fort Wayne battled back for a 4-1 win to split the night's action.

West Michigan (16-26) used an eight-run fifth inning to power the game one victory, while Fort Wayne (20-22) got a double and a homer from Everett Williams to highlight their victory in the second contest.

Saturday's action officially started on Friday night, when three rain delays totaling one hour and 46 minutes in length forced the game to be suspended. After 12 minutes and one inning of game action, the game was halted in a scoreless tie with the first hitter of the top of the second in the batter's box.

When play resumed on Saturday evening, Michael Rockett started the scoring in the top of the fourth. After smacking a leadoff triple, he came home to score on an infield single by Wade Gaynor for a 1-0 edge.

One inning later, West Michigan exploded for an eight-run, eight-hit top of the fifth inning to jump ahead by a commanding 9-0 lead. Twelve Whitecaps batters came to the plate during the rally, with eight different 'Caps collecting a hit and scoring a run. With one away they strung together six consecutive singles, while the only extra-base hit of the frame - a two-run double by Eric Roof - capped the scoring and left the Whitecaps with a seemingly comfortable lead.

Fort Wayne made it interesting, however, charging back into the game with a four-run rally in the sixth and a five-run outburst in the seventh. Jason Hagerty clubbed two-run homers in both innings as the TinCaps refused to give up.

Fortunately for the Whitecaps, Kenny Faulk came in to save the day. After notching a big strikeout to strand the bases loaded and preserve a 12-9 lead in the seventh, the lefty tossed a scoreless eighth before coming back out for the ninth. Again the TinCaps rallied, turning a leadoff double into a run and putting the potential game-tying run on base. But with a 12-10 lead and men at the corners, Faulk induced a game-ending groundout to complete 2.1 innings of work and notch his second save of the season.

Victor Larez (3-5) earned the win for West Michigan with three scoreless innings of relief, while Nick Greenwood (2-2) was roughed up for eight runs - seven earned - over 3.1 frames in the loss for Fort Wayne.

In the second game of the day, the TinCaps survived an early pitcher's duel to even the series.

The Whitecaps again reached the scoreboard first, stringing together three consecutive singles to open the top of the fourth inning. After Mike Gosse bounced a base hit through the right side, Gaynor crossed the plate for a 1-0 edge.

Fort Wayne had an answer, however, and his name was Everett Williams. The TinCaps' outfielder clubbed a two-run homer that sparked a three-run rally in the fourth inning, and then doubled and scored in the fifth for a 4-1 advantage.

Jerry Sullivan (3-2) earned the win with six innings of one-run ball, while Nick Schumacher (8) tossed a perfect seventh for the save. Jacob Turner (0-2) suffered the loss for West Michigan, retiring nine of the first 10 batters he faced - and striking out six of them - before Fort Wayne got to him in the fourth.

The Whitecaps continue their eight-game, seven-day road trip with the third game of a four-game set at Fort Wayne on Sunday, May 23. First pitched is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. with LHP Jade Todd (0-5, 4.87) slated to start for West Michigan against LHP Mike Watt (2-3, 5.21) of the TinCaps. The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, featuring a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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'CAPS COME BACK TWICE BEFORE FALLING IN NINTH
05/23/2010 7:34 PM ET

FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps battled hard on Sunday afternoon, but after they trailed by as many as four runs and pulled off a game-tying rally in the top of the ninth, it was the Fort Wayne TinCaps that emerged with a 7-6, walk-off win at Parkview Field.

West Michigan (16-27) overcame a pair of deficits and leaned heavily on an overtaxed bullpen that was called to action early after an injury-shortened outing by starter Jade Todd. Fort Wayne (21-22) won for the sixth time in their last seven games thanks to a walk-off single by Jeudy Valdez that came with a full count, the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

The game was tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth when Whitecaps reliever Jose Ortega retired the first two batters of the inning, but Rymer Liriano singled to extend the inning and cap an afternoon in which he went 3-for-3 and reached base five times. After a base hit, a stolen base and an intentional walk loaded the bases, Valdez stepped in with a chance to be the hero. After working the count full and fouling off a series of pitches, Valdez lined the eighth pitch of the sequence up the middle for the 7-6 victory.

That made a winner out of Nick Schumacher (2-1), who allowed one run in one inning and was charged with just his second blown save of the year before his team rallied in the bottom of the ninth. Ortega (0-2) suffered the loss after giving up two runs on six hits over 1.2 frames.

The late drama overshadowed a game that saw West Michigan pull off a pair of valiant comebacks.

Trailing 4-0 in the top of the sixth, the Whitecaps exploded for a furious one-out rally in which seven consecutive hitters reached base. Jordan Lennerton got it started with a one-out single and advanced to third after a fielder's choice and an error allowed Avisail Garcia to reach base. Alexis Espinoza and Mike Gosse each followed with run-scoring singles to cut the deficit in half, while Luis Palacios cranked a two-run double into the left field corner to tie the score. With the infield drawn in, Eric Roof capped the rally with a single through the middle that gave West Michigan a 5-4 lead.

But in a game where neither time was willing to give up, the TinCaps battled back. Nate Freiman doubled and scored in the seventh, tying the game on a base hit by Edinson Rincon. One inning later, Liriano led off with a two-base hit and scored on a knock by Danny Payne as Fort Wayne recaptured a 6-5 lead.

In the top of the ninth, it was the Whitecaps turn. Jamie Johnson led off with a double against Schumacher, who entered play tied for third in the Midwest League with eight saves. The next batter was Michael Rockett, who flared a bloop-single down the right field line to score Johnson and make it a 6-6 game.

Early on, Fort Wayne seized control with a four-run rally in the bottom of the fourth.

Everett Williams drew a leadoff walk and Freiman smacked a ground rule double that became lodged in the padding around a piece of signage on the left field wall. Jason Hagerty followed by bouncing a two-run single up the middle that not only gave the TinCaps a lead, but also glanced off the outreached throwing hand of Jade Todd and forced the Whitecaps starter out of the game. Reliever Nathan Newman eventually worked his way out of the inning, but not before issuing three walks - including two with the bases loaded - as Fort Wayne took a 4-0 lead.

The Whitecaps continue their eight-game, seven-day road trip with the finale of a four-game set at Fort Wayne on Monday, May 24. First pitched is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with RHP Trevor Feeney (4-3, 3.32) slated to start for West Michigan against RHP Daniel Sarria (1-0, 2.21) of the TinCaps. The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, featuring a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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WILD PITCH DOOMS 'CAPS TO ANOTHER WALK-OFF LOSS
05/24/2010 11:16 PM ET

FORT WAYNE, IN - The West Michigan Whitecaps lost in walk-off fashion for a second consecutive night on Monday, losing 3-2 on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Parkview Field.

West Michigan (16-28) got eight strong innings from starter Trevor Feeney and three-hit games from both Jordan Lennerton and Alexis Espinoza in the loss. Fort Wayne (22-22) chipped away to overcome a 2-0 deficit and force extra innings, eventually escaping with their seventh win in the last eight games.

The game was tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the 10th when the TinCaps' Danny Payne delivered a pinch-hit single against Melvin Merdeces to lead off the frame. He advanced to second on a bunt and moved to third on a bounce-out. With two away Everett Williams drew a five-pitch walk, forcing Mercedes to issue an intentional free pass to the dangerous Nate Freiman. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mercedes threw a 1-1 pitch to Jason Hagerty that skipped past the catcher, allowing Payne to score for a 3-2 win.

As the Fort Wayne players celebrated their second walk-off win in as many nights, West Michigan suffered their sixth loss in the last eight ballgames.

Mercedes (1-2) took the loss for the Whitecaps, issuing three walks and uncorking the decisive wild pitch over 1.2 innings of work. Haydon Beard (2-1) was rewarded for a scoreless top of the 10th inning with the win for Fort Wayne.

Early on, the Whitecaps broke onto the scoreboard with single runs in each of the first two frames.

With two outs in the first, Avisail Garcia lined a clean single to center field. He was running on a 3-2 pitch when Lennerton lifted a towering fly ball that bounced off the wall in the left field corner, putting West Michigan ahead 1-0 on the RBI-double.

In the second inning, Luis Palacios and Billy Alvino each singled with one out to put runners on first and second. There were two away when Mike Gosse bounced a base hit through the left side, and when Palacios knocked the ball away from the catcher on the ensuing play at the plate, the 'Caps extended their lead to 2-0.

Meanwhile, Feeney turned in another strong outing on the mound. The righty tossed eight innings while allowing two runs on six hits, striking out six and walking one.

Fort Wayne finally broke through against Feeney in the sixth to cut the lead in half. After Jonathan Galvez singled and stole second, Williams drove an 0-2 pitch the other way for a run-scoring double that made it a 2-1 game.

West Michigan had chances to add to the lead in the seventh and eighth innings, but came up empty on both occasions. Consecutive singles to lead off the eighth were followed by a sacrifice bunt, but the rally was squashed when Palacios was thrown out easily at the plate after Gosse sent a one-hopper back to the mound. One inning later, a leadoff double by Lennerton went for naught when Rymer Liriano threw him out trying to score on a single by Espinoza.

Trailing by just a run, the TinCaps made West Michigan pay in the eighth. With one away, Jeudy Valdez yanked an 0-2 pitch over the fence in left field, tying the score at 2-2 with a solo home run.

The Whitecaps continue their eight-game, seven-day road trip with a four-game, three day series that starts with a doubleheader in Lansing on Tuesday, May 25. First pitched for Game One is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. with LHP Giovanni Soto (3-3, 2.11) slated to start for West Michigan against RHP Chad Jenkins (3-2, 3.62) of the Lugnuts. The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, featuring a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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SOTO'S COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT HIGHLIGHTS DOUBLEHEADER SPLIT
05/25/2010 10:59 PM ET

LANSING, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps split a doubleheader with the Lansing Lugnuts on Tuesday night at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Giovanni Soto twirled a complete game shutout to lead West Michigan (17-29) to a 3-0 victory in the opener, while Lansing (27-18) battled back with five doubles to power a 7-1 win in the nightcap.

Soto (4-3) was the story in game one, tossing seven dominant innings and striking out six to earn the win. He allowed four hits and walked two, inducing three double play balls and picking off one runner while preventing the Lugnuts from scoring. Dating back to May 7, the 19-year-old Puerto Rican left-hander has now thrown 22.1 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

Facing Toronto Blue Jays first-round pick Chad Jenkins, the Whitecaps scored all three of their runs in the top of the third. Eric Roof got the rally started with a single to right and Jamie Johnson reached base on a bunt single to the left side of the infield. Michael Rockett followed with a double that bounced down the third base line and plated both runners for a 2-0 lead. Later in the frame, the bases were loaded when Rockett scored on a two-out wild pitch for a 3-0 advantage.

Jenkins (3-3) suffered the loss for Lansing, allowing three runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings.

After the Whitecaps won the first game, the Lugnuts jumped all over West Michigan in game two.

Lansing came out swinging in the bottom of the first, smacking four doubles and plating four runs on five hits against Victor Larez. After Mark Sobolewski drove in the first run with a groundout, Brad McElroy, Sean Ochinko and Ryan Schimpf delivered three consecutive run-scoring doubles to grab a 4-0 lead.

Luis Palacios tripled and scored in the top of the third to get West Michigan on the board, but Lansing had an answer in the bottom half of the frame. After a hit batsman and a single put a pair of Lugnuts on the bases, Eric Eiland split the gap in left-center with a two-run triple that pushed the lead to 6-1. Lansing added another run in the fourth for the 7-1 final.

Aaron Loup (3-0) earned the victory with five solid innings, giving up one run on two hits and striking out four. Larez (3-6) suffered the loss after getting roughed up for six runs on nine hits over 2.1 frames.

The Whitecaps continue their eight-game, seven-day road trip with game three of a four-game series in Lansing on Wednesday, May 26. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with RHP Ramon Lebron (4-2, 3.63) slated to start for West Michigan against RHP Ryan Tepera (4-1, 3.55) of the Lugnuts. The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, May 28, to start a season-long 10-game homestand with The Score Night, featuring a special visit from the ZOOperstars zany entertainment act. Season, group and individual tickets can be reserved by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.