2010 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker

2010 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker
Discuss your West Michigan Whitecaps!


GAME WRITE-UPS AT:
Entry Filed under: News Archives (link to be updated when available)


West Michigan Whitecaps (A)
FIRST HALF OF SEASON

WINS - 26, LOSSES - 44

CLICK SCORE FOR BOX SCORE

Click Here For Game Results Page


Click here for the PDF Schedule for the team

April (all times local unless noted)

8 @ Lake County, L 3-4 10 inn. (LP: L. Sanz)
9 @ Lake County, L 1-7 (LP: J. Todd)
10 @ Lake County, L 4-6 (LP: V. Larez)
11 vs. Fort Wayne, W 4-3 (WP: G. Soto; SV: M. Mercedes)
12 vs. Fort Wayne, L 4-5 (LP: J. Ortega)
13 vs. Fort Wayne, W 3-2 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: M. Mercedes)
14 @ Bowling Green, W 6-2 (WP: V. Larez)
15 @ Bowling Green, L 1-2 (LP: L. Sanz)
16 @ Bowling Green, W 9-4 11 inn. (WP: M. Mercedes)
17 vs. Great Lakes, W 4-2 (WP: R. Lebron; SV: V. Larez)
18 vs. Great Lakes, L 2-5 (LP: T. Feeney)
19 vs. Great Lakes, L 3-5 (LP: J. Todd)
20 @ Dayton, L 0-3 (LP: V. Larez)
21 @ Dayton, L 2-5 (LP: G. Soto)
22 @ Dayton, W 8-3 (WP: R. Lebron)
23 vs. South Bend, L 1-3 (LP: T. Feeney)
24 vs. South Bend, L 0-3 (LP: J. Todd)
25 vs. South Bend, L 1-5 (LP: V. Larez)
26 OFF
27 vs. Lansing, L 0-6 (LP: G. Soto)
28 vs. Lansing, L 1-2 (LP: R. Lebron)
29 vs. Lansing, W 7-3 (WP: T. Feeney)
30 @ South Bend, L 2-4 (LP: J. Todd)


May (all times local unless noted)

1 @ South Bend, L 4-8 (LP: V. Larez) (completed early)
2 @ South Bend, L 5-6 (LP: M. Mercedes)
3 @ South Bend, W 3-0 (WP: R. Lebron; SV: C. Hamilton)
4 @ Great Lakes, W 5-4 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: K. Faulk)
5 @ Great Lakes, L 6-8 (LP: N. Newman)
6 @ Great Lakes, W 4-3 (WP: V. Larez; SV: C. Hamilton)
7 vs. Bowling Green, L 1-4 (LP: G. Soto)
8 vs. Bowling Green, W 4-2 (WP: Lebron; SV: M. Mercedes)
9 vs. Bowling Green, L 7-10 (LP: T. Feeney)
10 @ Lansing, L 5-6 (LP: V. Larez)
11 @ Lansing, Postponed: Wet Grounds
12 @ Lansing, L 1-7 (LP: J. Todd)
13 vs. South Bend, W 7-0 (WP: G. Soto)
14 vs. South Bend, W 4-3 (WP: K. Faulk)
15 vs. South Bend, W 3-1 (WP: T. Feeney)
16 vs. South Bend, L 5-6 (LP: J. Turner)
17 OFF
18 vs. Lake County, L 2-5 (LP: N. Newman)
19 vs. Lake County, W 3-1 (WP: G. Soto; SV: J. Ortega)
20 vs. Lake County, L 5-15 (LP: Lebron)
21 @ Fort Wayne, (Completion on 5/22/10 at 5:05 PM)
22 @ Fort Wayne, W 12-10 (WP: V. Larez; LP: N. Greenwood; SV: K. Faulk)
(Completion of game suspended on 5/21/10)
22 @ Fort Wayne, L 1-4 (LP: J. Turner)
23 @ Fort Wayne, L 6-7 (LP: J. Ortega)
24 @ Fort Wayne, L 2-3 (LP: M. Mercedes)
25 @ Lansing, L 1-7 (LP: V. Larez)
26 @ Lansing, L 5-9 (LP: R. Lebron)
27 @ Lansing, W 4-2 (WP: J. Turner; SV: K. Faulk)
28 vs. Dayton, L 4-5 (LP: K. Faulk)
29 vs. Dayton, W 6-5 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: V. Larez)
30 vs. Dayton, W 7-4 (WP: J. Wesson; SV: N. Moody)
31 vs. Dayton, Cancelled: Rain
June (all times local unless noted)

1 vs. Burlington, L 4-8 (LP: J. Ortega)
2 vs. Burlington, L 0-4 (LP: J. Todd)
3 vs. Burlington, W 9-2 (WP: T. Feeney)
4 vs. Peoria, W 9-4 (WP: V. Larez)
5 vs. Peoria, L 5-8 (LP: J. Turner) (Completion on 6/6/10 at 1:00 PM)
6 vs. Peoria, L 5-8 (LP: J. Turner) (Completion of game suspended on 6/5/10)
6 vs. Peoria, W 3-2 (WP: K. Faulk)
7 OFF
8 @ Cedar Rapids, L 2-6 (LP: J. Todd)
9 @ Cedar Rapids, L 2-5 (LP: T. Feeney)
10 @ Cedar Rapids, L 2-5 (LP: G. Soto)
11 @ Quad Cities, L 3-8 (LP: R. Lebron)
12 @ Quad Cities, L 3-4 (LP: K. Faulk)
13 @ Quad Cities, L 1-2 (LP: J. Todd)
14 OFF
15 vs. Lake County, L 5-7 (LP: T. Feeney)
16 vs. Lake County, W 1-0 (WP: G. Soto)
17 vs. Lake County, W 1-0 (WP: K. Faulk)
18 @ Bowling Green, W 6-2 (WP: J. Turner; SV: Z. Samuels)
19 @ Bowling Green, L 2-3 (LP: K. Faulk)
20 @ Bowling Green, L 0-2 (LP: T. Feeney)
21 OFF
22 OFF
23 OFF
24 OFF

2010 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker
Discuss your West Michigan Whitecaps!



GAME WRITE-UPS AT:
Entry Filed under: News Archives (link to be updated when available)

Then look in left hand column for Recent Posts

West Michigan Whitecaps
SECOND HALF OF SEASON

WINS - 36 , LOSSES - 34

CLICK SCORE FOR BOX SCORE

Click Here For Game Results Page

June (all times local unless noted)

25 vs. Lake County, L 1-2 (LP: G. Soto)
26 vs. Lake County, L 0-5 (LP: T. Feeney)
27 vs. Lake County, L 0-8 (LP: R. Lebron)
28 @ South Bend, L 0-1 (LP: N. Newman)
29 @ South Bend, L 1-2 (LP: K. Faulk)
30 @ South Bend, W 15-3 (WP: R. Zumaya)

July (all times local unless noted)

1 @ Lake County, W 3-2 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: Z. Samuels)
2 @ Lake County, W 1-0 (WP: M. Mejia; SV: K. Faulk)
3 @ Lake County, L 0-7 (LP: N. Newman)
4 vs. Dayton, L 4-6 (LP: V. Larez)
5 vs. Dayton, L 5-6 (LP: L. Sanz)
6 vs. Dayton, L 3-7 (LP: T. Feeney)
7 @ South Bend, L 3-4 F/12 (LP: S. Teufel)
8 @ South Bend, L 5-7 (LP: R. Zumaya)
9 @ South Bend, W 9-2 (WP: V. Larez)
10 vs. Lake County, W 3-2 (WP: L. Sanz; SV: K. Faulk)
11 vs. Lake County, L 1-4 (LP: T. Feeney)
12 vs. Lake County, W 11-6 (WP: J. Wesson)
13 OFF
14 @ Clinton, L 4-9 (LP: N. Newman)
15 @ Clinton, W 7-1 (WP: V. Larez)
16 @ Clinton, L 5-11 (LP: L. Sanz)
17 @ Kane County, L 3-7 (LP: G. Soto)
18 @ Kane County, L 3-4 (LP: T. Feeney)
19 @ Kane County, L 2-8 (LP: J. Wesson)
20 OFF
21 vs. Wisconsin, L 1-3 (LP: V. Larez)
22 vs. Wisconsin, (Completion on 7/23/10 at 7:00 PM)
22 vs. Wisconsin, L 2-3 (LP: L. Sanz)
(Completion of game suspended on 7/22/10)
23 vs. Wisconsin, W 14-8 (WP: G. Soto)
24 vs. Beloit, L 4-6 (LP: J. Pratt)
25 vs. Beloit, W 8-4 (WP: J. Wesson)
26 vs. Beloit, L 2-8 (LP: V. Larez)
27 OFF
28 @ Lake County, W 16-14 (WP: J. Pratt)
29 @ Lake County, W 3-1 (WP: S. Teufel)
30 @ Lake County, W 1-0 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: J. Pratt)
31 vs. Dayton, W 2-1 (WP: M. Little)

August (all times local unless noted)

1 vs. Dayton, W 10-7 (WP: Z. Samuels; SV: K. Faulk)
2 vs. Dayton, L 1-2 (LP: J. Pratt)
3 vs. Great Lakes, L 6-7 (LP: K. Hess)
4 vs. Great Lakes, L 2-4 (LP: T. Feeney)
5 vs. Great Lakes, W 6-0 (WP: J. Wesson)
6 vs. Great Lakes, W 2-1 (WP: K. Faulk)
7 @ Dayton, W 6-5 (WP: A. Cruz)
8 @ Dayton, W 21-10 (WP: Z. Samuels)
9 @ Dayton, W 8-3 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: J. Pratt)
10 @ Dayton, W 9-2 (WP: J. Wesson)
11 @ Bowling Green, W 5-3 (WP: V. Larez; SV: K. Faulk)
12 @ Bowling Green, W 4-1 (WP: L. Sanz; SV: K. Faulk)
13 @ Bowling Green, W 4-2 (WP: P. Cooper; SV: J. Pratt)
14 vs. South Bend, W 12-3 (WP: T. Feeney; SV: K. Hess)
15 vs. South Bend, W 6-0 (WP: J. Wesson; SV: Z. Samuels)
16 vs. South Bend, W 3-2 (WP: K. Faulk)
17 OFF
18 vs. Fort Wayne, L 1-5 (LP: L. Sanz)
19 vs. Fort Wayne, W 6-5 (WP: Z. Samuels; SV: K. Faulk)
20 vs. Fort Wayne, L 3-7 (LP: T. Feeney)
21 @ Great Lakes, W 11-4 (WP: J. Wesson)
22 @ Great Lakes, L 1-7 (LP: V. Larez)
23 @ Great Lakes, W 5-2 (WP: L. Sanz; SV: K. Faulk)
24 @ Great Lakes, L 3-9 (LP: P. Cooper)
25 vs. Lansing, L 6-7 (LP: T. Feeney)
26 vs. Lansing, W 10-6 (WP: A. Cruz)
27 vs. Lansing, W 2-1 (WP: V. Larez; SV: K. Faulk)
28 vs. Great Lakes, W 10-5 (WP: L. Sanz; SV: J. Pratt)
29 vs. Great Lakes, W 8-1 (WP: P. Cooper)
30 vs. Great Lakes, W 10-3 (WP: T. Feeney)
31 vs. Great Lakes, L 7-13 (LP: J. Wesson)

September (all times local unless noted)

1 @ Lansing, L 1-3 (LP: V. Larez)
2 @ Lansing, L 2-6 (LP: L. Sanz)
3 @ Lansing, L 6-8 (LP: Z. Samuels)
4 @ Fort Wayne, W 8-3 (WP: T. Feeney)
5 @ Fort Wayne, W 5-4 (WP: Z. Samuels; SV: K. Faulk)
6 @ Fort Wayne, L 8-11 (LP: R. Zumaya)

2010 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker
Discuss your West Michigan Whitecaps!


GAME WRITE-UPS AT:
Entry Filed under: News Archives (link to be updated when available)

Then look in left hand column for Recent Posts

West Michigan Whitecaps
PLAYOFFS
WINS - 1 , LOSSES - 2

8 vs. Lake County, LC 4, WM 2 - Recap
9 @ Lake County, WM 8, LC 0 - Recap
10 @ Lake County, LC 3, WM 2 - Recap

Box »
WHITECAPS FALL IN 10 ON OPENING NIGHT
Rockett homers, Feeney tosses six strong in losing effort
04/08/2010 10:43 PM ET

EASTLAKE, OH - The West Michigan Whitecaps jumped out to a 3-0 lead and got excellent starting pitching on Thursday night at Classic Park, but could not prevent the Lake County Captains from rallying for four unanswered runs in a, 4-3, 10-inning loss on Opening Night.

West Michigan (1-0) was on the verge of spoiling the Captains' Midwest League debut thanks to six scoreless innings from starter Trevor Feeney and a two-run homer by Michael Rockett. But in their first game since switching from the South Atlantic League, Lake County (1-0) got a pair of tremendous relief performances that allowed a late rally to thrill the home crowd in suburban Cleveland.

The Whitecaps were in command for most of the game. Feeney's six scoreless innings required just 69 pitches and the 23-year-old righty did not allow a runner past first base. Meanwhile, an RBI-single by Jordan Lennerton in the fourth was followed by Rockett's longball for a 3-0 advantage.

The Captains' bullpen, however, set the tone for the comeback. A pair of Lake County left-handers, Chris Jones and Francisco Jimenez, combined to limit West Michigan to just one hit over six shutout innings of relief. Jones fanned six during his three frames while Jimenez did not allow a hit.

Meanwhile, Lake County chipped away at the Whitecaps' bullpen after Feeney's departure.

An unearned run in the seventh made it a 3-1 ballgame. In the bottom of the ninth, Lake County's Adam Abraham led off with a double against the Whitecaps' Kenny Faulk. Ben Carlson followed with a run-scoring triple and scored the game-tying run on a sacrifice fly by Greg Folgia.

After West Michigan failed to capitalize on a leadoff walk in the top of the 10th inning, Lake County quickly ended the evening. Bo Greenwell led off the bottom of the 10th with a single against Luis Sanz. Moments later, Greenwell was running on a 3-2 pitch when Roberto Perez laced a double down the left field line for the game-winning hit.

That made a winner out of Jimenez (1-0), while Sanz (0-1) suffered the loss for West Michigan.

West Michigan will continue their season-opening series in Lake County with a 6:30 p.m. game on Friday night, as LHP Jade Todd makes his 2010 debut opposite Captains' RHP Joe Gardner. The Whitecaps return to Grand Rapids for the Home Opener on Sunday, April 11. Gates will open at Noon for the 2:00 p.m. game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps, which will feature a Fifth Third Bank Snuggie giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day. 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.

Box »
'CAPS SUFFER SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS
Captains' Gardner leads 17-strikeout performance
04/09/2010 11:20 PM ET

EASTLAKE, OH - The West Michigan Whitecaps could not break through against the Lake County Captains on Friday night, mustering just five singles in a 7-1 loss at Classic Park.

Lake County (2-0) starter Joe Gardner struck out 11 in just four innings during an impressive professional debut, part of a 17-strikeout performance by the Captains' pitching staff. West Michigan (0-2) will counter with a pro debut of their own on Saturday afternoon, as highly-touted prospect Jacob Turner - the ninth overall pick in last summer's draft - will try to help the Whitecaps avoid a season-opening series sweep.

It was a rough night on Friday for West Michigan starter Jade Todd - literally. The first batter he faced, Delvi Cid, scorched a liner that struck the left-hander in the right shoulder and caromed away for an infield single. Though Todd stayed in the game, a stolen base helped move Cid into scoring position and a sacrifice fly by Jeremie Tice gave the Captains an early 1-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Gardner racked up 11 punch-outs over just four innings while allowing one run on three hits. The Whitecaps' lone run came in the top of the third, when Jamie Johnson singled and stole second with one out. Later in the frame, Avisail Garcia smacked a two-out, RBI-single up the middle to tie the score at 1-1.

That score remained until the bottom of the fourth. With one away, Tice singled to left to break up a string of nine consecutive men retired by Todd. The next batter, Kyle Smith, sent a low liner back to the hill where it struck the pitcher in the foot and dribbled away for an infield single. Once again, Todd would throw a few practice pitches before remaining in the ballgame. But after an error loaded the bases, Ben Carlson clubbed a two-run double to right that put Lake County in front by a 3-1 margin.

That score remained until the Captains broke the game open with a rally in the seventh. Greg Folgia led off with a solo homer against reliever Jose Ortega and Argenis Martinez followed with an infield single. Later in the frame, Bo Greenwell and Tice each chipped in with run-scoring singles. A second error by shortstop Hernan Perez allowed a fourth run to cross the plate, securing Lake County's 7-1 victory.

Rob Bryson (1-0) earned the win out of the Captains' bullpen, while Todd (0-1) suffered the loss for West Michigan.

West Michigan will conclude their season-opening series in Lake County with a 1:00 p.m. game on Saturday afternoon, as Tigers' first-round pick RHP Jacob Turner takes the mound for his professional debut against Captains' RHP Danny Salazar. The Whitecaps return to Grand Rapids for the Home Opener on Sunday, April 11. Gates will open at Noon for the 2:00 p.m. game against the Fort Wayne TinCaps, which will feature a Fifth Third Bank Snuggie giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day. 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.

Box »
BULLPEN CAN'T HOLD TURNER'S GEM
04/10/2010 4:46 PM ET

EASTLAKE, OH - Jacob Turner was magnificent in his professional debut on Saturday afternoon at Classic Park, but the West Michigan Whitecaps could not hold the lead in a 6-4 loss to the Lake County Captains.

West Michigan (0-3) banged out 16 hits in the ballgame, but turned those into just four runs after stranding 10 men on base and grounding into three double plays. Lake County (3-0) scored six unanswered runs over their final three offensive innings, coming from behind to complete the series sweep.

Turner, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft, retired 15 of the 17 batters he faced over five shutout innings of two-hit baseball. The 18-year-old struck out seven without issuing a walk during his professional debut, throwing 48 of his 68 pitches for strikes.

The Whitecaps gave him a lead in the top of the second, as Michael Rockett led off with a double and scored on a single by Eric Roof. One inning later, Avisail Garcia's two-out single was followed by a two-run homer from Wade Gaynor, putting West Michigan in front by a 3-0 score.

But after Turner's exit, the Captains rallied against the Whitecaps' bullpen.

In the bottom of the sixth, Victor Larez walked Argenis Martinez to open the frame and Delvi Cid followed with an infield single. There were men at the corners when Roberto Perez sent a sharp ground ball towards third and Wade Gaynor's throw to the plate arrived well ahead of the baserunner, but the wide throw popped out of the catcher's glove as a run scored. The very next batter, Jeremie Tice, bounced a two-run single inside the third base line to tie the score at 3-3.

Greg Folgia added a two-run homer in the seventh and Adam Abraham smacked a solo shot in the eighth, as the Captains suddenly found themselves ahead 6-3.

West Michigan did not go down without a fight. Jamie Johnson and Mike Gosse reached base on back-to-back one-out singles in the ninth. There were two away when Gaynor ripped a run-scoring double that one-hopped the wall in left, making it a 6-4 ballgame with a pair of runners in scoring position. But the potential game-tying run was left standing on second when Elvin Soto's liner was caught in right field.

Nick Sarianides (1-0) earned the win with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, while Cory Burns (1) added 1.1 frames for the save. Larez (0-1) suffered the loss for West Michigan, roughed up for five runs - three earned - over 1.2 frames.

Over the course of the series, the bullpens told the story. Lake County's relief corps went 3-0 with two saves while striking out 16 batters over 15 innings and allowing just one run on 10 hits. The Whitecaps bullpen scuffled to an 0-2 mark and was touched for 14 runs - 10 earned - on 17 hits and 10 walks.

The Whitecaps return to Grand Rapids for the Home Opener at Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday, April 11, sending LHP Giovanni Soto to the mound against RHP Dexter Carter of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Gates will open at Noon for the 2:00 p.m. game, which will feature a Fifth Third Bank Snuggie giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day. 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.

Box »
SOTO, WHITECAPS PICK UP FIRST WIN
04/11/2010 5:37 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - In front of an exuberant crowd of 9,132 on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark, the West Michigan Whitecaps put all of the pieces together in a 4-3 win over the Fort Wayne TinCaps during their home-opener.

West Michigan (1-3) bounced back from a rough opening series in Lake County, getting strong starting pitching, timely hitting, and effective relief to break into the win column. Fort Wayne (2-2) rallied late to pull within a run before ultimately falling short.

Whitecaps' starter Giovanni Soto (1-0) set the tone, racking up 10 strikeouts over five innings to earn the win. An 18-year-old that skipped the New York-Penn League when he made the 'Caps opening day roster, Soto allowed just one run on two hits and a walk. He was able to consistently throw strikes and kept the TinCaps off-balance all afternoon with his off-speed pitches.

Meanwhile, West Michigan jumped on the board in the second inning with a two-out rally. Luis Palacios got it started with a groundball through the left side and Hernan Perez followed with the first of his three singles. One batter later, Jamie Johnson ripped a two-run triple inside the right field line for a 2-0 lead.

After Fort Wayne pulled to within 2-1, the Whitecaps went back to work in the seventh. Perez led off the frame with a single, and after a fielder's choice Mike Gosse clubbed a double high off the wall in right field. With the infield drawn in, Avisail Garcia rolled a base hit up the middle to plate a pair of runs and stretch the lead to 4-1.

Garcia's hit proved to be a critical one after the TinCaps rallied in the eighth. An inning-opening error was followed by a pair of walks to load the bases. Edinson Rincon and Nate Freiman followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies to pull within 4-3, but reliever Kenny Faulk induced a groundout to end the inning and maintain the one-run lead.

Melvin Mercedes (1) closed the door in the ninth, setting down the side in order with a strikeout sandwiched between a pair of groundouts.

Dexter Carter (0-1) took the loss for Fort Wayne, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings.

The Whitecaps continue their home-opening series at Fifth Third Ballpark on Monday, April 12, sending RHP Ramon Lebron to the mound against RHP John Hussey of the Fort Wayne TinCaps for a 6:35 start. The ballgame will be an All Faiths Night sponsored by JQ 99 FM, so fans that bring a church or community bulletin to the box office will receive box or reserved tickets at half price. 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.

Box »
WILD NINTH ENDS IN ONE-RUN LOSS
04/12/2010 10:36 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - After a wild ninth inning in which five runs scored and the final out was recorded at the plate, the West Michigan Whitecaps lost to the Fort Wayne TinCaps, 5-4, at Fifth Third Ballpark on Monday night.

West Michigan (1-4) scored all of their runs with two outs, battling back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the score in the fifth before falling short with a dramatic rally in the final frame. After Fort Wayne (3-2) scored three runs in the top of the ninth to take a 5-2 lead, the Whitecaps plated a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame before the potential game-tying run was cut down at the dish.

Entering the ninth inning of a 2-2 game, the TinCaps took advantage of a pair of walks from Whitecaps' reliever Jose Ortega to start the rally. After a pitching change with one out, Edinson Rincon singled against Nolan Cain to load the bases. One batter later, Nate Freiman broke the tie with a liner to right-center. Following a sacrifice fly by Jason Hagerty and a run-scoring double by Rymer Liriano, Fort Wayne seized a 5-2 lead.

But the Whitecaps were not about to roll over.

Fort Wayne's Rafael Arias came in looking for the save but plunked Wade Gaynor to open the inning. Two outs later, Elvin Soto drew a walk and Billy Alvino was hit by a pitch. With the bases loaded and two outs, Hernan Perez drove a liner to right that looked like it would be caught by outfielder Dean Anna. As he backpedalled, however, the ball bounced off his glove and trickled away. Gaynor and Soto crossed the plate and Alvino raced around third looking to score, but the relay throw arrived at the plate in time and Alvino slid harmlessly into the tag of catcher Jason Hagerty for the game's final out.

TinCaps' reliever Rob Musgrave (1-0) picked up the win after a scoreless inning of relief and Arias (1) earned the dramatic save. The loss went to Ortega (0-1), who allowed two runs and walked two men in 1.2 innings of work.

Early on, Fort Wayne built a 2-0 lead. Freiman's run-scoring single got it started in the first and Liriano doubled and scored in the fourth to extend the advantage.

West Michigan rallied with two outs in the bottom of the fifth to even the score. After Alvino singled to put men on the corners, Perez and Jamie Johnson tallied consecutive RBI-singles to tie the game at 2-2.

That set the stage for the wild sequence of events in the ninth inning.

The Whitecaps wrap up their home-opening series with a Noon start at Fifth Third Ballpark on Tuesday, April 13, sending RHP Trevor Feeney (0-0, 0.00) to the mound against LHP Nick Greenwood (1-0, 0.00) of the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Like all Tuesdays, it will be a Bob Evans Senior Day with half-priced box and reserved seats for anybody over 50. It will also be a Fat Tuesday, with a reserved seat and all-you-can-eat food package available for just $15 for adults and $10 for kids. 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.

Box »
FEENEY, WHITECAPS TAKE TWO OF THREE
04/13/2010 2:56 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Trevor Feeney tossed seven strong innings and Jordan Lennerton delivered the go-ahead hit with two outs in the seventh inning on Tuesday as the West Michigan Whitecaps beat the Fort Wayne TinCaps, 3-2, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (2-4) picked up their first series victory of the year in a match-up that saw all three games decided by just one run. Fort Wayne (3-3) was held in check by the 'Caps pitching and defense, highlighted by a pair of diving catches by shortstop Hernan Perez in the first inning and outfielder Luis Salas at a critical juncture in the eighth.

The score was tied 2-2 when the Whitecaps rallied for the go-ahead run in the seventh. Perez led off with a single before advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt and third on a groundout. With two away, Lennerton smacked a 1-0 pitch up the middle for a groundball single, plating Perez for a 3-2 lead.

Feeney (1-0) earned the win with another solid outing, racking up seven strikeouts over seven impressive innings. He allowed two runs on five hits without issuing a walk, with the only blemish coming on a two-run homer in the fifth.

Early on, Perez set the tone for a spectacular defensive afternoon. With a runner at second and one out in the top of the first, Fort Wayne's Edinson Rincon sent a soft liner towards shallow left. Perez broke towards the ball and made a highlight-reel diving catch on the outfield grass, doubling up the runner at second to end the threat.

The Whitecaps won the race to the scoreboard with single runs in the second and fourth innings. There were runners at first and second base in the second inning when Alexis Espinoza singled to center, and after the center fielder bobbled the ball Lennerton was able to round third and score. Two innings later, three consecutive two-out singles culminated with an RBI-knock by Salas for a 2-0 lead.

The TinCaps evened the score with one swing of the bat in the fifth. After a leadoff double by Jason Hagerty, Rymer Liriano turned on a pitch and drilled a two-run homer that snuck inside the foul pole down the left field line.

West Michigan rallied for the lead in the seventh, setting the stage for another defensive gem in the very next half inning. Bo Davis led off the eighth with a fly ball to left that appeared destined to drop in, but Salas raced towards the foul line and made a diving, full-extended catch to keep the first batter of the inning off base.

In the ninth, Melvin Mercedes (2) worked a 1-2-3 frame for his second save in three days.

Juan Oramas (0-1) suffered the loss for Fort Wayne, allowing the decisive seventh-inning run during three otherwise solid innings of work.

The Whitecaps hit the road for a three-game series in Bowling Green, Kentucky, starting with a 7:35 p.m. start against the Hot Rods on Wednesday, April 14. LHP Jade Todd (0-1, 8.10) will take the mound for West Michigan against Bowling Green RHP Jason McEachern (0-1, 5.79). The Whitecaps will be back at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, April 17, to host the Great Lakes Loons for a 6:35 p.m. start on Autism Awareness Night, which will feature a jersey auction to help raise funds for the Autism Society of Kent County. 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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BACK-TO-BACK JACKS LEAD 'CAPS
04/14/2010 11:08 PM ET

BOWLING GREEN, KY - The West Michigan Whitecaps rode back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning and sturdy relief pitching to a 6-2 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Wednesday night, taking the opener of a three-game series at Bowling Green Ballpark.

West Michigan (3-4) collected a season-high five doubles and seven extra-base hits while the bullpen contributed five shutout innings. Having won three of their last four games, the Whitecaps will send Jacob Turner, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft, to the mound in game two of the set against Bowling Green (2-5) on Thursday.

After their first eight batters of the game were retired in order, West Michigan broke out with four consecutive two-out hits in the top of the third. Hernan Perez got it started with a single, while Jamie Johnson and Mike Gosse delivered back-to-back run-scoring doubles to stake West Michigan to a 2-0 lead.

Bowling Green rallied to tie the score with a pair of runs in the fourth, but the Whitecaps promptly responded with a big inning in the top of the fifth.

Elvin Soto broke the tie by lifting a solo home run to the opposite field. Just two pitches later, Perez turned on a ball and drove a liner out of the yard to left field for back-to-back home runs. After Johnson followed with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch, Gosse ripped an RBI-single inside the right field line for a 5-2 advantage.

The Whitecaps bullpen and defense took over from there. Victor Larez entered the ballgame in the fifth and tossed three shutout innings, inducing double play balls in the sixth and seventh innings to keep the comeback-minded Hot Rods off the board.

After consecutive doubles by Alexis Espinoza and Eric Roof pushed the lead to 6-2 in the top of the eighth, Nolan Cain came in and retired the last six batters of the ballgame to close the door.

Larez (1-1) earned the win while Bowling Green started Jason McEachern (0-2) suffered the loss. McEachern was charged with five runs on eight hits over four innings after cruising through his first 2.2 frames without allowing a baserunner on just 21 pitches.

The Whitecaps continue their road series in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a 7:35 p.m. ET start against the Hot Rods on Thursday, April 15. RHP Jacob Turner (0-0, 0.00) will take the mound for his second start with West Michigan against Bowling Green RHP Shane Dyer (0-0, 1.80). The Whitecaps will be back at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, April 17, to host the Great Lakes Loons for a 6:35 p.m. start on Autism Awareness Night, which will feature a jersey auction to help raise funds for the Autism Society of Kent County. 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 EVEN SERIES
04/15/2010 10:27 PM ET

BOWLING GREEN, KY - The West Michigan Whitecaps ran into a stingy bullpen and went just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position on Thursday night, losing by a 2-1 score to the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Bowling Green Ballpark.

West Michigan (3-5) still has a chance for a second consecutive series victory heading into the rubber match of the three-game set on Friday night. The difference in Thursday's game was a solo homer by Eligio Sonoqui in the sixth inning that broke up a 1-1 tie and gave Bowling Green (3-5) the decisive margin.

After Sonoqui's longball made it a 2-1 game, the Hot Rods bullpen took over. Alex Koronis (2-0), Matt Stabelfeld and Kirby Yates (1) combined to toss four shutout innings that featured seven strikeouts against just one hit and one walk. While the Whitecaps got leadoff baserunners in the eighth and ninth, they were unable to push across the potential game-tying run on either occasion.

Luis Sanz (0-2) suffered the loss for West Michigan after giving up the decisive home run.

Jacob Turner, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft, made his second professional start for the Whitecaps. Though his control was not as sharp as it was in his pro debut, the 18-year-old fireballer battled and allowed just one run over four innings.

The Hot Rods did get to him early, jumping onto the scoreboard with three first-inning singles. Dustin Biell got it started with a one-out liner to center and proceeded to steal second. After a groundout moved him to third, Sonoqui's bouncer to the mound glanced off the glove of a leaping Turner, allowing Biell to score for the game's first run.

West Michigan tied the score in the fourth. Avisail Garcia lined a one-out pitch to right-center and turned it into a double after the ball skipped past the outfielder. Later in the frame, he scored the game-tying run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Michael Rockett.

The 1-1 tie lasted until the sixth. On an 0-1 pitch, Sonoqui blasted a leadoff homer to right-center to put Bowling Green ahead by a 2-1 score.

The Whitecaps wrap up their road series in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with an 8:05 p.m. ET start against the Hot Rods on Friday, April 16. LHP Giovanni Soto (1-0, 1.80) will take the mound for West Michigan against Bowling Green RHP Wilking Rodriguez (0-0, 7.20). The Whitecaps will be back at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, April 17, to host the Great Lakes Loons for a 6:35 p.m. start on Autism Awareness Night, which will feature a jersey auction to help raise funds for the Autism Society of Kent County. 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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FIVE-RUN RALLY IN 11TH CAPS IMPROBABLE COMEBACK
04/17/2010 12:34 AM ET

BOWLING GREEN, KY - The West Michigan Whitecaps bounced back from a 4-0 deficit on Friday night at Bowling Green Ballpark, forcing extra innings before rallying for five runs in the top of the 11th of a 9-4 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

West Michigan (4-5) will return to Grand Rapids on Saturday after an improbable comeback victory in which they issued 10 walks, allowed six stolen bases and struck out 14 times. The Whitecaps won two of three from Bowling Green (3-6), overcoming a stellar pitching performance from Hot Rods starter Wilking Rodriguez on Friday.

Despite trailing most of the way, the Whitecaps put themselves back into the ballgame against the Hot Rods bullpen in the top of the seventh. Down 4-1, Michael Rockett greeted reliever Jake Sullivan with a double into the gap in right-center. Two outs later he was still standing at second, but a pair of walks kept the inning alive and loaded the bases. After a pitching change, Hernan Perez delivered a clutch double into the left-field corner that cleared the bases and tied the score at 4-4.

The tie remained until the top of the 11th, when West Michigan exploded for five runs. Avisail Garcia reached base on a four-pitch walk and promptly scored the go-ahead run on Jordan Lennerton's double to right-center. After Michael Rockett bunted the runner to third and Eric Roof drew a walk, pinch-hitter Mike Gosse yanked another double to make it 6-4. With the runners at second and third, Luis Palacios joined the fun with a two-run double of his own that banged off the wall in left field. Palacios eventually scored on a wild pitch for the decisive 9-4 margin.

Melvin Mercedes (1-0) kept the score tied with three excellent innings of scoreless relief, striking out two and allowing one hit to earn the win. Jairo De La Rosa (0-2) suffered the loss, allowing all five 11th-inning runs during his two innings of work.

Before the Whitecaps rattled off nine consecutive runs to snatch the win, the story of the game was Hot Rods' starting pitcher Wilking Rodriguez. The hard-throwing 20-year-old retired the first 12 men he faced in order and fanned five in a row between the first and third innings. Over six dominant frames, he struck out nine and allowed just one run on three hits.

The Hot Rods initially reached the scoreboard in the bottom of the third. Leadoff batter Chris Murrill opened the inning with an infield single and stole both second and third base during the next at-bat. Whitecaps' starter Giovanni Soto was on the verge of escaping the jam after inducing an infield groundout and striking out a batter, but Mark Thomas responded with a run-scoring single up the middle that gave Bowling Green a 1-0 lead.

One inning later, the home team added to the advantage. Dustin Biell and Diogenes Luis each lined singles to left to start the rally and Murrill beat out a bunt to load the bases. A wild pitch allowed Biell to race home from third while a walk to Tyler Bortnick reloaded the sacks. With one out, Thomas looped another RBI-single to center that eluded a diving Jamie Johnson. Eligio Sonoqui followed with a run-scoring fielder's choice groundout, pushing the Hot Rods' advantage to 4-0.

The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, April 17, to host the Great Lakes Loons for a 6:35 p.m. start on Autism Awareness Night, which will feature a jersey auction to help raise funds for the Autism Society of Kent County. 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 MAKE IT FOUR OF FIVE
04/17/2010 10:41 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Alexis Espinoza went 2-for-4 with a homer and two runs batted in as the West Michigan Whitecaps opened a three-game home series with a 4-2 win over the Great Lakes Loons on Saturday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (5-5) improved to .500 on the year with their fourth win in five ballgames and will look to clinch a third consecutive series victory on Sunday afternoon against Great Lakes (6-4).

The Whitecaps drew first blood in the bottom of the second inning. With one away and a 1-2 count, Espinoza drove a fly ball the other way that carried over the wall for a solo homer and a 1-0 lead.

West Michigan extended the advantage in the fifth. Wade Gaynor reached base on an infield single to open the inning and moved to second on a base hit by Avisail Garcia. One out later, Espinoza drove in his second run of the evening with a single to right. Luis Salas followed with a run-scoring knock to left, and a bases-loaded walk later in the frame pushed the lead to 4-0.

Great Lakes cut into the deficit in the top of the sixth. After a leadoff walk to Christian Lara, Brian Cavazos-Galvez and Jerry Sands clubbed back-to-back run-scoring triples. West Michigan was ultimately able to cut down Sands at the plate, maintaining a 4-2 edge.

Ramon Lebron (1-0) earned the win with a solid outing that included five strikeouts over five innings of two-run ball. Victor Larez (1) did the rest, twirling four shutout innings for the save while allowing the Whitecaps bullpen to get some much-needed rest.

Elisaul Pimentel (0-1) suffered the loss for Great Lakes after yielding three runs on six hits over four frames.

The Whitecaps continue their series with the Great Lakes Loons with a 1:00 p.m. start on Sunday, April 18, as RHP Trevor Feeney (1-0, 1.38) takes the mound against RHP Josh Wall (0-0, 6.00). The afternoon game will be a Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day and the first 1,000 kids will eat free. Also, Penguins Books presents Mike Lupica's "Bat Boy" book samplers for the first 1,000 fans. 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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LOONS FIGHT BACK TO EVEN SERIES
04/18/2010 4:20 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps collected 11 hits but left 10 runners on base in a 5-2 loss to the Great Lakes Loons on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Despite the loss, West Michigan (5-6) will have the opportunity to win their third consecutive series in the rubber match on Monday evening. The difference in Sunday's game was a three-run rally by Great Lakes (7-4) in the 7th inning that broke up a 2-2 deadlock.

Pedro Guerrero got it started by doubling the first pitch of the seventh into left field. After a sacrifice bunt moved him to third, Christian Lara laid down a picture-perfect squeeze bunt down the first base line. Pitcher Trevor Feeney let the ball to roll, but it eventually came to a rest between the edge of the infield grass and the chalk of the first base line as the Loons took the lead. Later in the frame there were two away when Jerry Sands clubbed an RBI-triple and Blake Smith added a run-scoring single as Great Lakes seized a 5-2 edge.

Jordan Roberts (2-1) earned the win after throwing three strong innings of shutout relief. Luis Vasquez (2) took over in the ninth, tossing a 1-2-3 frame for the save.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Whitecaps picked up single runs in each of the first two frames to jump ahead. Jamie Johnson led off the first with a double and promptly scored just four pitches into the inning on a single up the middle by Hernan Perez. In the second inning another double by Johnson put runners at second and third with two outs, and moments later an error allowed Luis Palacios to cross the plate for a 2-1 lead.

Johan Garcia doubled and scored on a single by Cavazos-Galvez to tie things up in the third. While the offenses quieted down in the middle innings, the three-run rally in the seventh would prove to be the difference.

Though he pitched well through six innings, Feeney (1-1) took the loss for West Michigan after running out of steam in the seventh. Over 6.2 innings of work, the 23-year-old righty allowed five runs on 12 hits while fanning six and walking one. Three of those runs and four of the hits came in the decisive seventh inning.

Four different Whitecaps -Johnson, Perez, Wade Gaynor and Alexis Espinoza - collected two-hit games in a losing effort.

The Whitecaps conclude their series against the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 6:35 p.m. start on Monday, April 19, as LHP Jade Todd (0-1, 6.14) takes the mound against RHP Brett Wallach (1-0, 0.00). It will be an All Faiths Night presented by JQ 99 FM, offering fans that bring a church or community bulletin to the box office half-price box and reserved tickets. 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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LOONS FIGHT BACK TO EVEN SERIES
04/18/2010 4:20 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps collected 11 hits but left 10 runners on base in a 5-2 loss to the Great Lakes Loons on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Despite the loss, West Michigan (5-6) will have the opportunity to win their third consecutive series in the rubber match on Monday evening. The difference in Sunday's game was a three-run rally by Great Lakes (7-4) in the 7th inning that broke up a 2-2 deadlock.

Pedro Guerrero got it started by doubling the first pitch of the seventh into left field. After a sacrifice bunt moved him to third, Christian Lara laid down a picture-perfect squeeze bunt down the first base line. Pitcher Trevor Feeney let the ball to roll, but it eventually came to a rest between the edge of the infield grass and the chalk of the first base line as the Loons took the lead. Later in the frame there were two away when Jerry Sands clubbed an RBI-triple and Blake Smith added a run-scoring single as Great Lakes seized a 5-2 edge.

Jordan Roberts (2-1) earned the win after throwing three strong innings of shutout relief. Luis Vasquez (2) took over in the ninth, tossing a 1-2-3 frame for the save.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Whitecaps picked up single runs in each of the first two frames to jump ahead. Jamie Johnson led off the first with a double and promptly scored just four pitches into the inning on a single up the middle by Hernan Perez. In the second inning another double by Johnson put runners at second and third with two outs, and moments later an error allowed Luis Palacios to cross the plate for a 2-1 lead.

Johan Garcia doubled and scored on a single by Cavazos-Galvez to tie things up in the third. While the offenses quieted down in the middle innings, the three-run rally in the seventh would prove to be the difference.

Though he pitched well through six innings, Feeney (1-1) took the loss for West Michigan after running out of steam in the seventh. Over 6.2 innings of work, the 23-year-old righty allowed five runs on 12 hits while fanning six and walking one. Three of those runs and four of the hits came in the decisive seventh inning.

Four different Whitecaps -Johnson, Perez, Wade Gaynor and Alexis Espinoza - collected two-hit games in a losing effort.

The Whitecaps conclude their series against the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Ballpark with a 6:35 p.m. start on Monday, April 19, as LHP Jade Todd (0-1, 6.14) takes the mound against RHP Brett Wallach (1-0, 0.00). It will be an All Faiths Night presented by JQ 99 FM, offering fans that bring a church or community bulletin to the box office half-price box and reserved tickets. 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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DOUBLE PLAYS DOOM WHITECAPS
04/19/2010 10:06 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - A pair of late rallies were squelched by double plays on Monday night at Fifth Third Ballpark, as the West Michigan Whitecaps fell by a 5-3 score to the Great Lakes Loons.

West Michigan (5-7) stranded 32 runners on base while dropping two of three games to Great Lakes (8-4), including 19 men in scoring position.

The Loons jumped onto the scoreboard first in the top of the second inning. Jerry Sands led off with a double and scored on a single to center by Blake Smith. Later in the frame, Johan Garcia delivered a two-out single to left that plated Smith for a 2-0 lead.

Michael Rockett doubled and scored for West Michigan in the bottom of the second to cut the deficit in half, but Great Lakes quickly pushed the advantage back to two. Brian Cavazos-Galvez led off the top of the third with a single and promptly stole second base. On the very next pitch he broke for third, and when the catcher's throw sailed into left field, Cavazos-Galvez scampered home for a 3-1 edge.

In the sixth, Chris Jacobs added a two-run homer to left-center that stretched the lead to 5-1.

The Whitecaps scratched their way back into the game with a two-out rally in the sixth. Wade Gaynor coaxed a two-out walk, Avisail Garcia beat out an infield single, and Jordan Lennerton drew a free pass to load the bases and force a pitching change. Rockett greeted the new reliever with a bouncer to third, and when Johan Garcia's throw to first sailed high, two runs scored to make it a 5-3 ballgame.

West Michigan had a pair of golden opportunities to close the gap late in the game, but a double play with the bases loaded squashed the rally on both occasions.

In the seventh, a single sandwiched between a pair of walks packed the bags with nobody out. But after Mike Gosse struck out swinging, Gaynor's hard-hit grounder was snagged by a diving Rafael Ynoa at second, starting a highlight-reel 4-6-3 double play.

The Whitecaps loaded them up again with one out in the bottom of the ninth. But with a 2-2 count, Gosse scorched a liner right at Ynoa, who easily doubled up Eric Roof at second base.

Brett Wallach (2-0) earned the win after allowing three runs - one earned - on three hits over 5.2 innings. Steve Smith (3) tossed the final two frames for the save. Jade Todd (0-2) suffered the loss, yielding three runs - two earned - on six hits over five frames while fanning six and walking one.

The Whitecaps head to Fifth Third Field to start a three-game road series against the Dayton Dragons at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, as RHP Jacob Turner (0-0, 1.00) takes the mound against RHP Brian Pearl (0-0, 2.79). They return to West Michigan on Friday, April 23, to face the South Bend 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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'CAPS STYMIED, DROP OPENER IN DAYTON
04/20/2010 10:05 PM ET

DAYTON, OH - The West Michigan Whitecaps were held to just three hits on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field, dropping a 3-0 decision in the Dayton Dragons in the opener of a three-game series.

West Michigan (5-8) got some bad news early when scheduled starter Jacob Turner was a late scratch due to tightness in his right forearm, but the injury is not considered to be serious. Spot starter Victor Larez filled in admirably, but four Dayton (8-5) hurlers combined on a three-hit shutout led by starter Brian Pearl.

Pearl (1-0) tossed six scoreless frames in the win, allowing just two hits and preventing the Whitecaps from advancing any runners past first base. He struck out four and walked one, using just 67 pitches to navigate through his outing. Meanwhile, Larez (1-2) suffered the tough-luck loss after throwing 5.2 frames and giving up just one run on six hits and one walk.

Both starters cruised through the first few innings before the Dragons struck first in the bottom of the fourth. Kevyn Feiner led off with a single and stood at second base two outs later when Jordan Wideman took a 1-2 pitch and clubbed a run-scoring double to left-center. Mark Fleury followed with a single up the middle, but center fielder Michael Rockett came up throwing and gunned down Wideman at the plate with a one-hop strike to hold the deficit at 1-0.

Rockett came up big again in the very next inning. Frank Pfister doubled with one away for the Dragons and Alex Oliveros bounced a single through the middle of the infield. But Rockett charged hard and fired a laser to the plate that reached catcher Eric Roof on a line, gunning down a potential run for the second time in as many innings.

As the Whitecaps struggled to collect hits, the Dragons added some insurance in the seventh inning. Wideman got it started with a leadoff walk before a two-pitch sequence saw Dayton add two more runs. With one away, Efrain Contreras split the gap in right-center with a two-base hit. On the very next delivery, Pfister smacked a triple over the right fielder's head that pushed the lead to 3-0.

After Dragons relievers Chase Ware and Nick Christiani threw scoreless frames in the seventh and eighth, closer Donnie Joseph finished things off in the ninth. The southpaw issued a leadoff walk but responded by striking out the next three batters he faced to notch his third save of the year.

The Whitecaps continue a three-game road series against the Dayton Dragons with Game Two at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21. LHP Giovanni Soto (1-0, 2.35) is slated to take the mound for West Michigan against RHP J.C. Sulbaran (1-0, 5.40) of the Dragons. The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, April 23, to face the South Bend 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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'CAPS DROP FOURTH IN A ROW
04/21/2010 10:01 PM ET

DAYTON, OH - The West Michigan Whitecaps shot out of the gates strong on Wednesday night, but the fast start could not prevent a fourth consecutive loss after a 5-2 final against the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Field.

West Michigan (5-9) took an early lead but went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position as the Dragons rattled off five unanswered runs to take control. Dayton (9-5) also got a strong outing from starter J.C. Sulbaran, who collected eight of the 12 strikeouts registered by the Dragons' pitching staff on the night.

The Whitecaps opened Wednesday's ballgame with three consecutive singles. After leadoff batter Jamie Johnson reached on an infield hit, he was running with a pitch and went first-to-third on a single by Mike Gosse. Wade Gaynor followed with a hard grounder inside the third base line that was stopped by a diving Frank Pfister, but the third baseman had no play and Johnson crossed the plate for a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, the West Michigan offense would muster just one run on five hits the rest of the way.

Meanwhile, Byron Wiley's solo homer in the second inning tied the score. In the fourth, a one-out error set the stage for Pfister to crack an RBI-double that gave Dayton a 2-1 lead.

Pfister added a run-scoring single in the sixth, and one inning later another longball put the game out of reach. With one away and a man at second, Henry Rodriguez turned on the first pitch he saw and slugged a two-run homer to right for a 5-1 advantage.

Sulbaran (2-0) earned the win for Dayton, fanning eight over six strong innings while allowing one run on four hits and one walk. At the end of the night, Nick Christiani (1) worked the ninth for the save.

The Whitecaps scratched across their final run in the eighth but it was not enough. Johnson led off with a single, reaching base for the fourth time in four trips to the plate. Later in the frame, Gaynor collected his second RBI of the evening with a run-scoring groundout that pulled West Michigan to within 5-2.

Giovanni Soto (1-1) took the loss for the Whitecaps despite a solid outing. The 18-year-old southpaw allowed three runs - two earned - on seven hits over six innings, striking out three without issuing a walk.

The Whitecaps conclude their three-game road series against the Dayton Dragons at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 22. RHP Ramon Lebron (1-0, 3.38) is slated to take the mound for West Michigan against RHP Jacob Johnson (0-0, 6.00) of the Dragons. The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, April 23, to face the South Bend 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 BUST OUT THE STICKS, END SKID
04/22/2010 10:22 PM ET

DAYTON, OH - The West Michigan Whitecaps broke out of their offensive slump on Thursday night at Fifth Third Field, scoring eight runs on 12 hits in an 8-3 win over the Dayton Dragons to avoid a series sweep.

West Michigan (6-9) manager Joe DePastino literally pulled his lineup out of a hat to shake things up on Thursday, snapping a four-game losing streak that included just two runs and 11 hits through the first two games of the series against Dayton (9-6).

The score was tied 2-2 when the Whitecaps took the lead for good with a three-run rally in the fifth. Jordan Lennerton and Hernan Perez - the No. 9 and No. 1 hitters in the unique batting order on Thursday - singled to start the rally and Wade Gaynor walked to load the bases. Cleanup batter Jamie Johnson singled through the right side to break the tie and plate two runs, part of a 3-for-4 night that included two doubles and three RBI for the regular leadoff hitter. Later in the frame, Gaynor scored on a wild pitch for a 5-2 lead.

The margin was 5-3 when West Michigan put the game away with another three-run rally in the seventh. After singles by Gaynor and Billy Alvino to open the inning, Johnson poked a double down the left field line that scored Gaynor and left runners at second and third. Luis Salas drove home his second run of the night with an RBI-groundout, and Johnson eventually scored on a wild pitch for the 8-3 final.

While Johnson led the way offensively with his three-hit, three-RBI night, four other Whitecaps were credited with two-hit performances in Salas, Lennerton, Gaynor and Perez.

Ramon Lebron (2-0) earned the victory with five innings of three-run ball, becoming the first West Michigan hurler to win two games on the season. Luis Salas added three scoreless frames of relief before Jose Ortega worked a 1-2-3 ninth in a non-save situation.

Early on, the Whitecaps and Dragons traded single runs in both the third and fourth innings.

Lennerton smacked a solo homer in the top of the third before a controversial call in the bottom half of the frame tied the score. Dayton's Henry Rodriguez sent a two-out liner to right that was initially ruled a catch by right fielder Avisail Garcia, but after vehement opposition from the Dragons, home plate umpire Javier Cantu reversed the call and ruled a single. On the very next delivery Rodriguez stole second base, and on the following pitch Andrew Means singled him home for a 1-1 score.

Johnson led off the top of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-base hit by Salas to put the Whitecaps back out in front. In the bottom of the frame, however, Dayton's Chris Richburg slugged a leadoff homer to even the score at 2-2.

Jacob Johnson (0-1) suffered the loss for the Dragons after getting knocked around for five runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings of work.

The Whitecaps return to Fifth Third Ballpark on Friday, April 23, to face the South Bend Silver Hawks. RHP Trevor Feeney (1-1, 3.20) will start for West Michigan opposite LHP Mike Belfiore (0-1, 2.84) 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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BACK HOME, 'CAPS DROP PITCHERS' DUEL
04/23/2010 9:39 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - Pitching was the name of the game on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark, but Mike Belfiore got the better of Trevor Feeney as the West Michigan Whitecaps dropped the first game of a six-game homestand, 3-1, to the South Bend Silver Hawks.

West Michigan (6-10) managed just three hits and lost for the fifth time in six games despite eight strong innings from the starter Feeney. The young and talented South Bend (6-10) squad countered with Belfiore, a supplemental first-round pick in the 2009 draft that led the Silver Hawks to their fifth consecutive victory.

Belfiore (1-1) led a quartet of South Bend hurlers in the three-hitter, firing off six strong innings of two-hit baseball. He struck out five and walked two while allowing one run. After giving up back-to-back singles to open the second inning, the left-hander out of Boston College retired the next 12 batters in a row to silence the Whitecaps' bats.

Meanwhile, Feeney (1-2) took the loss despite another strong outing for West Michigan. The 23-year-old product of Northern Illinios struck out eight batters over eight innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk. He turned in a quality start for the third time in four outings, increasing his league-leading innings pitched total to 27.2 frames.

Neither team had registered a baserunner until the bottom of the second inning when Jamie Johnson led off by beating out an infield single to shortstop. The speedy center fielder advanced to second on a passed ball before moving to third on a base hit by Avisail Garcia. One batter later, Johnson raced home on a groundout by Luis Salas that gave the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead.

Over the next two innings, however, the Silver Hawks jumped out in front. With a runner at first and two outs in the top of the third, Keon Broxton smacked an RBI-triple to center field that tied the score. In the fourth, Bobby Stone broke the tie with a two-out solo shot to dead-center that gave South Bend a 2-1 advantage.

That margin remained until the Silver Hawks added a key insurance run in the eighth. David Nick singled with one away and stole second base. Later in the frame, Matt Davidson roped a two-out double into the left-center field gap to push the lead to 3-1.

The South Bend bullpen combined for three innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. After scoreless frames from Rafael Quezada and Randy Rodriguez, Yonata Ortega (1) finished things off with the save in the ninth.

The Whitecaps continue their six-game homestand with a 6:35 p.m. start at Fifth Third Ballpark on Saturday, April 24. LHP Jade Todd (0-2, 5.11) will start for West Michigan opposite RHP Charles Brewer (1-2, 3.45) 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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BATS QUIET AGAIN AS WHITECAPS FALL
4/24/2010

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps continued to struggle offensively on Saturday night, suffering their second shutout loss of the year with a 3-0 final against the South Bend Silver Hawks at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (6-11) has mustered just one run on seven hits through the first two games of the series and has lost six of their last seven games overall. South Bend (7-10) continued a red-hot stretch in which the young, prospect-laden club has reeled off six consecutive victories.

The Silver Hawks reached the scoreboard with a two-run rally in the second. David Nick led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an opposite-field double by Bobby Stone. Two outs later Stone was at third when Keon Broxton reached on an error and South Bend seized a 2-0 advantage.

That score remained until the eighth. Chris Owings reached base on a one-out double and scored on a base hit by Bobby Borchering. Later in the inning, Borchering tried to score from second on a two-out single but was cut down at the plate by a throw from right fielder Avisail Garcia.

Garcia's rally-killing throw in the top of the eighth held the deficit at 3-0 and left the Whitecaps with a chance in the bottom half of the frame.

West Michigan loaded the bases against reliever Keny Sosa thanks to a single by Wade Gaynor and walks to Jordan Lennerton and Michael Rockett. But with two away, Alexis Espinoza flew out to right to end West Michigan's best threat of the night.

Silver Hawks reliever Chris Odegaard (2-0) earned the win after fanning six over 2.1 innings of perfect relief. He took over for starter Charles Brewer, who contributed 4.2 frames while allowing three hits and four walks. After Sosa escaped trouble in the eighth, Bradin Hagens (2) snatched the save with a perfect ninth inning.

Jade Todd (0-3) became the latest Whitecaps starter to suffer a loss despite a strong outing. The 20-year-old lefty struck out seven over six solid innings, allowing two runs - one earned - on four hits and one walk. After giving up a pair of runs in the second, Todd retired the next 11 batters he faced and set down 13 of 14 to finish his outing.

The Whitecaps continue their six-game homestand with a 1:00 p.m. start at Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday, April 25. RHP Victor Larez (1-2, 2.35) will start for West Michigan opposite RHP Eric Smith (1-1, 1.06) 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 SWEPT BY SILVER HAWKS
4/25/2010

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps were swept away in a three-game series by the South Bend Silver Hawks after losing Sunday's series finale, 5-1, at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (6-12) scored just two runs on 13 hits during the set and has scuffled to seven losses in their last eight games. On the other hand, South Bend (8-10) has won seven in a row thanks in part to Sunday's seven scoreless innings by Eric Smith and four RBI from Matt Davidson.

The Silver Hawks wasted little time reaching the scoreboard, opening the ballgame with three consecutive hits in the top of the first. Keon Broxton got it started with a low liner up the middle and Chris Owings smacked a double over the center fielder's head. Bobby Borchering followed with a bloop-single that dropped into left field and scored Broxton, while Matt Davidson added a sacrifice fly for a quick 2-0 lead.

Smith (2-1) did the rest, firing off seven shutout innings and fanning five while allowing just four hits without issuing a walk. He gave up just one hit and two baserunners after the second inning, lowering his ERA to 0.75 and running his scoreless innings streak to an impressive 21 frames.

Davidson continued his big day at the plate by putting the game out of reach with a pair of two-out at-bats in the later innings. With the bases empty in the sixth, he extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a solo homer to left. After a pair of walks in the eighth, he stepped in and cracked a two-run double to push the score to 5-0.

The Whitecaps' lone highlight came in the bottom of the ninth. With one away, Jordan Lennerton drove a 2-0 pitch the other way for a solo homer that accounted for West Michigan's only run.

Victor Larez (1-3) suffered the loss despite a strong outing, making his second spot start in a row in place of Jacob Turner. The 22-year-old from Venezuela tossed seven frames and allowed three runs on five hits, using just 78 pitches to post the quality start.

After a day off on Monday, he Whitecaps continue their six-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with a visit from the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27. LHP Giovanni Soto (1-1, 2.63) will start for West Michigan opposite RHP Chad Jenkins (0-1, 5.63) of the Lugnuts. In addition to a Bob Evans Senior Night featuring half-price box and reserved seats for those over 50, it will also be a Fat Tuesday with all-you-can-eat food and beverage specials at just $15 for adults and $10 for kids. 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 SHUTOUT IN SERIES OPENER WITH LANSING
04/27/2010 9:52 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps were shutout for the third time in seven games on Tuesday night, losing their series-opener against the Lansing Lugnuts, 6-0, at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (6-13) has now been held to one run or less in four consecutive games and has lost for the eighth time in nine contests. Meanwhile, Lansing (12-7) won for the ninth time in their last 10 games thanks in part to a stellar starting performance from right-hander Chad Jenkins.

Jenkins (1-1) tossed eight shutout innings to earn the win, striking out nine while allowing six hits and walking one. The 20th overall pick in the 2009 draft needed just 88 pitches to navigate through the Whitecaps batting order, allowing just one batter to reach scoring position after the second inning.

The Lugnuts wasted little time reaching the scoreboard, giving Jenkins a lead to work with in the top of the first. Leadoff man Kenny Wilson singled to right, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A.J. Jimenez drove him in on a sacrifice fly to deep left-center as Lansing asserted a 1-0 lead.

In the sixth inning, a key play at the plate sparked a two-run frame for the Lugnuts. With Brad McElroy at second and two away, Balbino Fuenmayor lined a single to center and McElroy rounded third looking to score. Center fielder Jamie Johnson fired a strike to the first base side of the plate and catcher Eric Roof lunged across the dish to apply the tag, but a sliding McElroy kicked the ball out of the catcher's glove and scored safely. Two pitches later Kevin Nolan ripped a double over the left fielder's head to score Fuenmayor for a 3-0 advantage.

Instead of maintaining a 1-0 ballgame, the play-at-the-plate catapulted Lansing to a three-run lead. The Lugnuts went on to add an unearned run in the seventh and two more unearned runs in the eighth to reach the 6-0 final.

Giovanni Soto (1-2) was saddled with the loss for West Michigan. The 18-year-old southpaw struck out eight men and allowed just one run over 4.2 innings. He gave up six hits and walked two.

Despite being held to just seven hits as a team, the Whitecaps got 2-for-4 performances from both Mike Gosse and Avisail Garcia.

The Whitecaps continue their homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with Game Two of a three-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28. RHP Ramon Lebron (2-0, 4.15) will start for West Michigan opposite RHP Ryan Tepera (1-0, 5.40) of the Lugnuts. Thanks to a Wellness Wednesday presented by Priority Health, fans can show their Priority Health card at the box office to receive $2 off a reserved ticket and walk around the warning track before the game. 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 DROP FIFTH IN A ROW
04/28/2010 10:17 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps went down quietly again on Wednesday night, dropping their fifth straight game with a 2-1 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Ballpark.

After losing nine of their last 10 games, West Michigan (6-14) is 0-5 during the current homestand and needs a win in the series finale on Thursday to avoid a second consecutive series sweep. Lansing (13-7) scored all of their runs on one swing of the bat Wednesday, continuing a torrid stretch that has seen them win 10 of their last 11.

Early on, Whitecaps starter Ramon Lebron was able to work in and out of trouble. He had to work around runners at second and third with just one out in both the first and second innings, but was able to wiggle out of each jam unscathed.

After Lebron issued a pair of two-out walks in the third, however, West Michigan was forced to go to the bullpen. Reliever Cory Hamilton came in to make his first appearance of 2010 after being added to the roster on Monday, and was greeted by a two-run double off the bat of Sean Ochinko that staked the Lugnuts to a 2-0 lead.

The Whitecaps cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the third. Billy Alvino sent a bouncer to the mound to open the inning, but the first baseman lost the throw in the sun and Alvino wound up at second base. After Jamie Johnson's single pushed Alvino to third base, he scored on a double play to make it a 2-1 ballgame.

That turned out to be the final. The Whitecaps notched just one of their five hits after the fourth inning as the Lugnuts retired 18 of the last 21 West Michigan batters.

Ryan Tepera (2-0) earned the victory after 5.1 innings of work, allowing one unearned run on four hits. Steve Turnbull (5) finished things off with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Lebron (2-1) suffered his first loss for the Whitecaps. Despite throwing 2.2 innings of hitless baseball and striking out two, the hard-throwing righty also walked five, hit a batter and balked once while allowing both runs.

The Whitecaps wrap up their six-game homestand at Fifth Third Ballpark with the finale of a three-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. RHP Trevor Feeney (1-2, 3.25) will start for West Michigan opposite RHP Ryan Shopshire (2-0, 3.47) of the Lugnuts. Fans can take advantage of $2 hot dogs, beer, soft drinks and soft pretzels on an Altogas Thrifty Thursday, while College Night features $5 admission when a college ID is presented at the box office. 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 SLUG THEIR WAY OUT OF SKID
04/29/2010 9:47 PM ET

COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps broke out of their offensive slump in a big way on Thursday night, slugging a pair of home runs and pounding out 12 hits as every batter reached base at least once during a 7-3 win over the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Ballpark.

West Michigan (7-14) snapped a five-game losing streak with the victory, led by a 3-for-4 night from Jordan Lennerton that included his third home run of the year and three runs batted in. Lansing (13-8) lost for just the second time in their last 12 games despite jumping out to an early advantage.

The Lugnuts used a pair of doubles in the top of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead, but the Whitecaps rallied in the bottom of the third. Luis Palacios got it started with a one-out double down the third base line and moved to third on a base hit by Jamie Johnson. Both runners scored when Mike Gosse cracked a triple into the gap in right-center, and Lennerton added a two-out single that put West Michigan ahead by a 3-1 score.

The lead was trimmed to 3-2 before West Michigan exploded for four runs in the bottom of the fifth. The rally started with two outs when Wade Gaynor lined a single up the middle. One pitch later, Lennerton lifted his third home run of the year down the left field line and inside the foul pole. Avisail Garcia followed with a walk and Lansing went to the bullpen, but Michael Rockett greeted reliever Nestor Molina by clubbing his first pitch for a two-run homer to left.

After the dust had settled, the two-run homers by Lennerton and Rockett pushed the lead to 7-2.

Lansing tacked on an unearned run in the eighth, but it was too little too late.

While the offense was the story of the night for West Michigan, starting pitcher Trevor Feeney put together another strong outing. The righty tossed 7.1 frames and fanned seven while allowing three runs - two earned - on six hits and one walk. It was the fourth quality start in five outings for Feeney, who extended his league-leading total to 35 innings pitched.

In addition to Lennerton's big night, the 'Caps also got two-hit games from Rockett, Palacios and Johnson. Rockett and Gosse added two RBI apiece.

The Whitecaps hit the road for a seven-game trip that begins with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch in South Bend on Friday, April 30. LHP Jade Todd (0-3, 3.93) will start for West Michigan against RHP Charles Brewer (1-2, 2.66) of the Silver Hawks in the opener 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.