COMSTOCK PARK, MI – Monday night at Fifth Third Ballpark, the Great Lakes Loons out-hit the West Michigan Whitecaps 10-5 and had numerous other hard-hit balls hit at and caught by Whitecaps defenders. But despite the offensive advantage, the Whitecaps prevailed, 5-2, in front of a crowd of exactly 5,000.
Greg Wilborn (2-2) started for the Loons and walked five batters and surrendered five runs (all earned) over four innings, throwing 87 pitches. Three of the runners who scored for the Whitecaps reached on a free pass. All of the Whitecaps runs were scored in the third and fourth innings with all the action coming after two outs were recorded. With two outs in the third, Eugenio Suarez drew a walk. That was followed by three straight hits, including an RBI double by Jeff McVaney and a two-RBI double by Jason King.
The next inning, after getting two outs, Wilborn walked No. 9 hitter Zach Maggard, followed by walks to Chad Wright and Suarez. Suarez’s at-bat was extended by a dropped pop up in foul territory by O’Koyea Dickson that was not scored an error but did prolong the AB. Aaron Westlake followed with a two-run single.
The five runs by West Michigan in the third and fourth innings erased a 2-0 lead for the Loons. James Baldwin singled home two in the second inning to give the Loons a short-lived lead.
Dickson collected three hits for the Loons, one night after a four-hit performance.
Starter Tommy Collier pitched just three innings, throwing 53 pitches. He was charged with both Loons runs. Brennan Smith (3-4) worked 4 2/3 scoreless frames to collect the win. Jade Todd recorded the final four outs to collect his second save.
The Loons (24-32 second half, 58-68 overall) and Whitecaps (28-28, 64-62) play the series finale Tuesday at 7pm. Right-handed pitcher Duke von Schamann (3-4, 3.16 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Loons against West Michigan lefty Kyle Ryan (6-7, 4.10). The game will be broadcast live on ESPN 100.9-FM and ESPN1009.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment