2008 West Michigan Whitecaps Season Tracker

April (all times local unless noted)

3 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 15-2 (WP: R. Garcia; LP: J. Norberto)
4 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 2-1 (WP: R. Darrow ; LP: W. Spottiswood)
5 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 5-4 (WP: S. Mieses; LP: T. Layne; SV: N. Krol)
6 @ South Bend 1:30 PM - WON 11-5 (WP: P. Nardozzi; LP: J. Collmenter)
7 vs. Great Lakes 6:35 PM - WON 11-1 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: D. Rondon)
8 vs. Great Lakes 6:35 PM - LOST 1-5 (WP: J. Miller; LP: R. Garcia; SV: R. Blevins)
9 vs. Great Lakes 6:35 PM - WON 9-0 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: B. Morris)
10 vs. Great Lakes 6:35 PM - Postponed: Rain
11 @ Clinton 8:00 PM - Postponed: Rain
12 @ Clinton ?:?? PM - LOST 7-8 (WP: J. Lueke; LP: S. Mieses)
12 @ Clinton 8:00 PM - LOST 2-5 (WP: J. Santana; LP: L. Gagnier; SV: D. Sattler)
13 @ Clinton 3:00 PM - LOST 2-6 (WP: K. Gomez; LP: J. Kibler)
14 @ Peoria 7:30 PM - LOST 0-4 (WP: D. Rhee; LP: R. Garcia; SV: M. Mateo)
15 @ Peoria 7:30 PM - WON 5-1 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: C. Siegfried)
16 @ Peoria 7:30 PM - LOST 1-2 (WP: S. Vento; LP: S. Mieses)
18 vs. Burlington 6:35 PM - LOST 0-3 (WP: A. Caldera; LP: E. Miguelez; SV: H. Arias)
19 vs. Burlington 2:00 PM - WON 8-7 in 12 innings (WP: R. Darrow; LP: Y. Lopez)
20 vs. Burlington 2:00 PM - WON 6-5 in 11 innings (WP: P. Nardozzi; LP: T. Bradley)
21 vs. Beloit 6:35 PM - WON 2-1 (WP: R. Garcia; LP: M. Tarsi; SV: N. Krol)
22 vs. Beloit 6:35 PM - WON 5-3 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: D. Berlind; SV: N. Krol)
23 vs. Beloit 6:35 PM - WON 5-4 (WP: R. Darrow; LP: B. Erickson)
25 @ Cedar Rapids 7:30 PM - LOST 3-7 (WP: T. Reckling; LP: L. Gagnier)
26 @ Cedar Rapids 3:00 PM - LOST 7-8 (WP: S. Leon; LP: R. Darrow)
27 @ Cedar Rapids 3:00 PM - WON 9-2 (WP: R. Garcia; LP: J. Walden)
28 @ Wisconsin 7:35 PM - WON 4-3 (WP: W. Garcia; LP: J. Souza; SV: R. Darrow)
29 @ Wisconsin 7:35 PM - LOST 5-7 (WP: T. Mortimore; LP: P. Nardozzi; SV: S. Kelley)
30 @ Wisconsin 1:05 PM - WON 6-1 (WP: L. Gagnier; LP: J. Wild)

May (all times local unless noted)

2 vs. Quad Cities 6:35 PM - WON 16-3 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: J. Stambaugh)
3 vs. Quad Cities 2:00 PM - LOST 3-5 (WP: E. Sanchez; LP: R. Garcia; SV: C. Tucker)
4 vs. Quad Cities 2:00 PM - WON 4-0 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: S. Garceau)
5 vs. Kane County 6:35 PM - LOST 1-2 (WP: S. Deal; LP: N. Krol; SV: J. Friend)
6 vs. Kane County 6:35 PM - LOST 3-10 (WP: S. Hodsdon; LP: L. Gagnier; SV: L. Sewell)
7 vs. Kane County 11:00 AM - Cancelled: Rain
8 @ Lansing 7:05 PM - WON 2-0 (WP: R. Garcia; LP: N. Starner)
9 @ Lansing 7:05 PM - LOST 3-7 (WP: B. Mills; LP: A. Figaro; SV: A. Farina)
10 vs. Lansing 2:00 PM - WON 4-2 (WP: E. Miguelez; LP: R. Boone; SV: N. Krol)
11 vs. Lansing 2:00 PM - Postponed: Rain
12 @ Fort Wayne 6:00 PM - LOST 1-2 (WP: J. McBryde; LP: L. Gagnier; SV: J. Quezada)
13 @ Fort Wayne 6:00 PM - WON 11-3 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: G. Vandel)
14 @ Fort Wayne 6:00 PM - LOST 5-7 (WP: W. Pelzer; LP: S. Mieses; SV: J. Quezada)
15 @ Fort Wayne 11:00 AM - LOST 5-7 (WP: D. McDaid; LP: W. Garcia; SV: J. Quezada)
16 vs. Lansing Game 1 - WON 6-3 7 innings (WP: A. Figaro; LP: T. Magnuson; SV: R. Darrow)
16 vs. Lansing Game 2 - LOST 0-5 7 innings (WP: R. Boone; LP: E. Miguelez)
17 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - LOST 3-5 (WP: A. Farina; LP: R. Darrow; SV: C. Crowell)
18 @ Lansing 2:05 PM - WON 4-2 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: M. Rzepczynski)
19 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - LOST 1-4 (WP: B. Augenstein; LP: B. Hamilton; SV: E. Scribner)
20 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 10-4 (WP: P. Nardozzi; LP: J. Parker; SV: R. Darrow)
21 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 4-1 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: C. Beltre)
22 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 5-4 (WP: W. Garcia; LP: D. Fournier; SV: N. Krol)
23 vs. Dayton 6:35 PM - WON 3-2 (WP: M. Robles)
24 vs. Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 2-0 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: M. Klinker; SV: N. Krol)
25 vs. Dayton 2:00 PM - LOST 4-6 (WP: L. Montano; LP: B. Hamilton; SV: J. Jeffords)
26 vs. Dayton 2:00 PM - LOST 0-6 (WP: J. Ravin; LP: A. Figaro; SV: J. Horst)
28 vs. South Bend 11:00 AM - LOST 3-8 (WP: J. Collmenter; LP: E. Miguelez)
29 vs. South Bend 11:00 AM - LOST 3-7 (WP: J. Norberto; LP: L. Gagnier)
30 vs. South Bend 6:35 PM - LOST 1-6 (WP: B. Augenstein; LP: J. Kibler)
31 vs. South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST 1-5 (WP: C. Beltre; LP: B. Hamilton)

June (all times local unless noted)

1 @ Dayton 4:00 PM - WON 10-0 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: J. Ravin)
2 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 10-6 (WP: W. Garcia; LP: C. Partch)
3 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 5-2 6 INNINGS (WP: M. Robles; LP: J. Arneson)
4 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - LOST 3-4 (WP: J. Horst; LP: W. Garcia)
5 @ Great Lakes 7:05 PM - LOST 3-9 (WP: S. Johnson; LP: B. Hamilton; SV: M. Sanfler)
6 @ Great Lakes - Game 1 - Postponed: Rain
6 @ Great Lakes - Game 2 - Postponed: Rain
7 @ Great Lakes - Game 1 - LOST 6-7 in 7 innings (WP: G. Kutz; LP: E. Miguelez; SV: M. Ramirez)
7 @ Great Lakes - Game 2 - AHEAD 7-0 RAIN DELAYED
8 @ Great Lakes - Complete delayed game - WON 10-1 (WP: K. Cedano; LP: T. Melgarejo)
8 @ Great Lakes GAME 2 - WON 8-3 (WP: M. Robles; LP: V. Garate)
9 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 4-3 (WP: N. Krol; LP: M. Barbara)
10 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - LOST 0-2 (WP: B. Mills; LP: M. Hoffman; SV: E. Estanga)
11 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 4-1 (WP: A. Figaro; LP: C. Cheng; SV: N. Krol)
12 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 1-0 (WP: W. Garcia; LP: C. Crowell)
13 vs. Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - WON 5-0 (WP: E. Miguelez; LP: M. Teague)
14 vs. Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - WON 6-3 (WP: J. Kibler; LP: W. Pelzer; SV: N. Krol)
15 vs. Fort Wayne 2:00 PM - LOST 4-8 (WP: J. Hefner; LP: M. Hoffman; SV: D. McDaid)

June continued (all times local unless noted)

19 @ South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST 1-6 (LP: P. Nardozzi)
20 @ South Bend 7:30 PM - WON 8-5 (WP: A. Hess; SV: R. Darrow)
21 @ South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST 4-5 (LP: W. Garcia)
22 @ South Bend 1:30 PM - LOST 1-9 (LP: J. Kibler)
23 @ Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - LOST 0-7 (LP: B. Hamilton)
24 @ Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - WON 7-6 (WP: W. Garcia; SV: N. Krol)
25 @ Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - LOST 0-8 (LP: M. Robles)
26 @ Fort Wayne 12:00 PM - WON 6-5 (WP: A. Figaro; SV: N. Krol)
27 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 3-2 (WP: J. Kibler; SV: N. Krol)
28 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - LOST 2-3 (LP: K. Cedano)
29 vs. Lansing 2:00 PM - WON 6-5 (WP: N. Krol)
30 vs. Lansing 2:00 PM - LOST 0-4 (LP: A. Hess)

July (all times local unless noted)

1 vs. Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - WON 9-4 (WP: A. Figaro)
2 vs. Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - Postponed: Rain
3 vs. Fort Wayne GAME 1 - WON 1-0 (WP. Garcia)
3 vs. Fort Wayne GAME 2 - WON 4-3 (WP: K. Cedano)
4 vs. Fort Wayne 7:00 PM - LOST 7-8 (LP: P. Nardozzi)
5 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 3-2 (WP: W. Garcia)
6 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 9-3 (WP: A. Figaro)
7 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - LOST 1-9 (LP: A. Hess)
9 vs. Clinton 7:00 PM - WON 5-3 (WP: J. Kibler)
10 vs. Clinton 7:00 PM - LOST1-6 (LP: T. Weber)
11 vs. Clinton 7:00 PM - LOST 1-4 (LP: P. Nardozzi)
12 vs. Peoria 7:00 PM - LOST 0-2 (LP: W. Garcia)
13 vs. Peoria 2:00 PM - LOST 3-4 (LP: B. Jacobson)
14 vs. Peoria 7:00 PM - WON 10-2 (WP: J. Kibler)
16 @ Beloit 8:00 PM - LOST 3-5 (LP: T. Weber)
17 @ Beloit 8:00 PM - LOST 7-11 (LP: P. Nardozzi)
18 @ Beloit 8:00 PM - WON 4-3 (WP: R. Darrow; SV: S. Green)
19 @ Burlington 7:30 PM - WON 10-4 (WP: A. Figaro)
20 @ Burlington 3:00 PM - LOST 0-6 (LP: J. Kibler)
21 @ Burlington 8:00 PM - Cancelled: Rain
23 vs. Wisconsin 7:00 PM - WON 6-1 (WP: M. Robles)
24 vs. Wisconsin 7:00 PM - WON 8-5 (WP: P. Nardozzi; SV: S. Green)
25 vs. Wisconsin 7:00 PM - WON 9-4 (WP: J. Kibler)
26 vs. Cedar Rapids 7:00 PM - LOST 1-2 (LP: B. Jacobson)
27 vs. Cedar Rapids 2:00 PM - LOST 0-5 (LP: E. Miguelez)
28 vs. Cedar Rapids 7:00 PM - LOST 3-5 (LP: N. Krol)
29 @ Quad Cities - Postponed: Rain
30 @ Quad Cities - GAME 1 - WON 7-2 (WP: J. Kibler)
30 @ Quad Cities - GAME 2 - LOST 2-5 (LP: A. Hess)
31 @ Quad Cities - LOST 2-3 (LP: N. Krol)

August (all times local unless noted)

1 @ Kane County 7:30 PM - LOST 6-7 (LP: S. Green)
2 @ Kane County 7:00 PM - LOST 2-5 (LP: M. Robles)
3 @ Kane County 3:00 PM - LOST 1-7 (LP: L. Gagnier)
5 @ Great Lakes 7:05 PM - WON 5-0 (WP: J. Kibler)
6 @ Great Lakes 7:05 PM - SUSPENDED
7 @ Great Lakes Game 1 - WON 4-3 (WP: W. Garcia)
7 @ Great Lakes Game 2 - WON 2-1 (WP: E. Miguelez; SV: B. Jacobson)
8 @ Great Lakes 7:05 PM - WON 3-2 (WP: N. Krol)
9 vs. South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST 1-2 (LP: L. Gagnier)
10 vs. South Bend 2:00 PM - WON 8-2 (WP: J. Kibler)
11 vs. South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST2-5 (LP: S. Green)
12 vs. South Bend 7:00 PM - LOST 2-6 (LP: E. Miguelez)
13 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 2-1 (WP: B. Jacobson)
14 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - LOST 0-1 (LP: L. Gagnier)
15 vs. Lansing 7:00 PM - WON 4-3 (WP: J. Kibler; SV: W. Garcia)
16 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - LOST 0-1 (LP: T. Weber)
17 @ South Bend 1:30 PM - WON 9-4 (WP: E. Miguelez; SV: A. Hess)
18 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - LOST 0-3 (LP: M. Robles)
19 @ South Bend 6:30 PM - WON 10-9 (WP: B. Jacobson; SV: N. Krol)
21 vs. Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 6-5 (WP: N. Krol)
22 vs. Dayton 7:00 PM - LOST 3-4 (LP: J. Kibler)
23 vs. Dayton 7:00 PM - LOST 0-6 (LP: T. Weber)
24 vs. Dayton 2:00 PM - WON 4-2 (WP: M. Robles; SV: N. Krol)
25 vs. Great Lakes 7:00 PM - WON 5-1 (WP: E. Miguelez)
26 vs. Great Lakes 7:00 PM - WON 3-2 (WP: S. Green)
27 vs. Great Lakes 7:00 PM - WON 5-2 (WP: A. Hess; SV: N. Krol)
28 vs. Great Lakes 7:00 PM - LOST 1-12 (LP: B. Villareal)
29 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 5-0 (WP: T. Weber)
30 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 7-3 (WP: P. Nardozzi)
31 @ Dayton 7:00 PM - WON 5-4 (WP: W. Garcia; SV: N. Krol)

September (all times local unless noted)

1 @ Dayton 2:00 PM - LOST 4-5 (LP: A. Fuhrman)

PLAYOFFS (1-2)
3 vs. South Bend, LOST 3-5 (LP: J. Kibler)
4 vs. South Bend Postponed: Rain
5 vs. South Bend 7:05 PM - WON 11-0 (WP: T. Weber)
6 vs. South Bend 7:05 PM - LOST 2-3 (LP: W. Garcia)

Whitecaps rock!

My teeth could use some Whitecaps!!

November 16th, 2007


COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps, in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers, announced today that Joe DePastino will be the Whitecaps manager for the 2008 season. Tom Brookens, who was originally scheduled to return for another season, was promoted to Double-A Erie following the loss of Matt Walbeck to the Texas Rangers organization.

DePastino, a Philadelphia, Pa., native, will be the eighth manager in Whitecaps history after enjoying a 13-year career in the minor leagues, including seven seasons at the Triple-A level. The right-handed catcher was drafted in the seventh round of the 1992 draft by the Boston Red Sox and had a .265 batting average with 87 home runs, 468 RBIs, 401 runs scored in 944 games throughout his career. The minor league veteran reached the Major Leagues in 2003, appearing in two games with the New York Mets. Looking to stay involved in the game, DePastino coached high school baseball in Sarasota, Fla. while pursuing opportunities with organizations.

“We are very pleased to add someone of Joe DePastino’s caliber to our managerial ranks,” said Tigers Director of Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta. “We feel that Joe brings to the Tigers organization all of the abilities we look for to manage a critical part of the organization.”

DePastino spent seven seasons at the Triple-A level and spent time with six organizations, the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Red Sox and Mets. In 2003, DePastino won the Norfolk Tides Most Inspirational Player Award, which recognized the clubhouse leader and was voted on by the players.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity the Tigers have given me in the organization,” said DePastino. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about West Michigan and the Whitecaps organization, and I’m looking forward to Opening Day.”

After leading West Michigan to the 2007 Midwest League Championship in his first year as Whitecaps manager, Brookens took the opportunity to move up to Double-A Erie after the SeaWolves lost their manager when Walbeck was hired as the Texas Rangers third base coach on November 7. Brookens owns a 171-118 record in three seasons in the Tigers organization.

“This was a bittersweet decision to take the Erie position,” said Brookens. “Last year was a special season with the Whitecaps. West Michigan is one of the best organizations to play and manage at in all of professional baseball.”

Go Whitecaps!!

little tigers!

Not to pick nits, but the team really is the West Michigan Whitecaps, not the Western Michigan Whitecaps as the title says. The title given to posters is also misnamed.

Whitecaps win the opener 15-2!

Ten-run first powers Whitecaps in Season Opener

April 3rd, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN – Thirteen batters came to the plate in the first inning as the Whitecaps jumped out to a 10-0 lead before the Silver Hawks had a chance to bat, en route to a 15-2 thumping.

Ramon Garcia held the South Bend offense scoreless through six innings before the ‘Hawks tallied two runs in the eighth off reliever Kelvin Cedano.

Kyle Peter and Justin Henry, the top two batters in the West Michigan lineup each scored three times, including twice each in the first inning. Henry drove in three runs while Peter, Casper Wells, Chris Carlson and Audy Ciriaco each had 2 RBI for the ‘Caps.

All nine of the Whitecaps position players scored and all but one had a hit.

South Bend pitchers issued eight walks, including four by Norberto, who left the game after one inning.

Seven of the ten runs in the first inning were unearned thanks to a dropped ball by first baseman Mike Mee, who was trying to catch a throw by second baseman Eli Rumler on a two-out ground ball by Kody Kaiser.

West Michigan equaled its team record for runs on Opening Day (15-4 win at Lansing on April 5, 2001) and the Whitecaps flirted with what would have been their most lopsided shutout victory ever, had the 15-0 lead held.

Two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth pushed the lead to 15.

Clayton Conner and Ramon Ramirez each drove in runs with hits for South Bend.

Thursday marked the first time since 2004 that the Whitecaps have won a season opener (11-3 at Dayton, April 8, 2004).

Where'd you find that article? I was on whitecaps-baseball.com or whatever it is and saw nothing.

catbox_9 wrote:

Where'd you find that article? I was on whitecaps-baseball.com or whatever it is and saw nothing.

It was hard to find

http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/BLOGS/?cat=3
Then look in left hand column for Recent Posts

I then saw:

Ten-run first powers Whitecaps in Season Opener

Oh, okay. Thanks. I copied your format for the other milb teams' threads. The Sea Wolves schedule isn't updated yet though. I'll work on that later. I'm too lazy to do anything else tonight.

Thanks!

Ninth inning rally slides ‘Caps past ‘Hawks

April 4th, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN – Two errors to lead off the top of the ninth inning led to the tying and go-ahead runs as the Whitecaps trailed for most of the game, but rallied past South Bend, 2-1.

Kyle Peter reached base to lead off the top of the ninth on a fielding error by second baseman Eli Rumler. The next batter, Justin Henry tried to bunt, but popped up the pitch. However, Silver Hawks reliever Billy Spottiswood dropped the pop up about 20-feet in front of home plate. The ball rolled into foul ground and allowed Peter to reach third while Henry advanced to second.

Two batters later, Chris Carlson hit a ground ball to third that allowed Peter to score and tie the game. Ronnie Bourquin then came through with the go-ahead RBI single to right.

Bryan Augenstein pitched the first eight innings of the game for South Bend and allowed four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Alfredo Figaro was the starting pitcher for West Michigan. He lasted just five innings, but yielded only two hits and one unearned run.

The only South Bend run of the night came in the fourth when Clayton Conner tripled with two out and scored on an error by Henry at second base.

Wilton Garcia tossed two innings of scoreless relief in his Whitecaps debut.

South Bend has committed eight errors in the first two games of the season.

The Whitecaps have a team ERA of 1.00 for the season as the Silver Hawks scored a pair of earned runs late in West Michigan’s season-opening 15-2 triumph on Thursday.

Tigers are now 4-4....

Minor league teams: 4-0
Detroit Tigers: 0-4

Unbeaten Whitecaps win see-saw battle

April 5th, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN – The Whitecaps fell behind early, took a three-run lead and slipped back into a tie before coming through with a 5-4 victory in South Bend.

West Michigan is 3-0 to start the season for the second time in team history and for the first time since a 6-0 start in 2001.

Mark McBratney went 3-for-4 for West Michigan with an RBI double in the fifth inning that gave the ‘Caps a 3-1 lead and an RBI single in the seventh that put the Whitecaps ahead for good. McBratney also scored in the fifth.

Justin Henry was 2-for-4 with a double. Henry stole two bases and scored following a single in the fifth inning.

Joe Tucker delivered an RBI single to drive in McBratney and cap a three-run rally in the fifth, which put West Michigan on top, 4-1.

South Bend rallied for three runs in the sixth inning. Aaron Hanke led off the frame with the first Silver Hawks home run of the season. Reliever Andrew Hess allowed two more ‘Hawks to reach base in the inning before Santo Mieses came on to pitch. Mieses threw a wild pitch that allowed Clayton Conner to score from second. Ramon Ramirez then followed with an RBI single, which tied the game, 4-4.

Mieses managed to finish the sixth and pitched the seventh to earn the win.

Rudy Darrow threw a perfect eighth inning for West Michigan and has not allowed a base runner in three innings of work this season. Noah Krol made his Whitecaps debut held South Bend scoreless in the ninth to earn a save. Krol led the New York-Penn League last season with 17 saves for the Oneonta Tigers.

Tom Layne, who tossed 1.2 innings and allowed the run in the seventh, took the loss for the Silver Hawks.

tigerroar wrote:

Not to pick nits, but the team really is the West Michigan Whitecaps, not the Western Michigan Whitecaps as the title says. The title given to posters is also misnamed.

Fixed. Thanks.

April 6th, 2008


SOUTH BEND, IN – By the fourth inning, Chris Carlson was a triple away from
hitting for the cycle. He finished 4-for-5 with four RBI as the Whitecaps completed a four game sweep to open the season with an 11-5 trouncing of South Bend.

For the second time in team history, the Whitecaps are 4-0 to start a season. The 2001 team began the year 6-0.

Carlson capped a three-run rally in the first inning with his first home run of the year, a two-run shot. In the fourth, West Michigan used seven hits, including a two-run double by Carlson to deliver a six-run inning and build a 9-2 advantage.

Lauren Gagnier made his first start of the season for West Michigan and struck out seven but allowed three walks and just two hits in 3.2 innings of work. Paul Nardozzi was awarded the victory after spending three innings on the mound, even though he allowed three unearned runs in the seventh.

Homer, Michigan native Josh Collmenter was the starting pitcher for South Bend and left the field to a standing ovation from a large contingent of fans in attendance wearing Homer High School gear. However, the Central Michigan University product allowed nine runs on 12 hits in 3.2 innings of work and suffered the loss.

Kelvin Cedano pitched the final 2.1 innings for the Whitecaps and held the Silver Hawks scoreless on two hits.

Audy Ciriaco also went deep for the Whitecaps as part of a 3-for-5 performance.

Ronnie Bourquin drove in a pair of West Michigan runs and went 3-for-5. Two hits each game from Joe Tucker and Justin Henry.

South Bend committed five errors in the game and 15 in the series, although all 11 of the ‘Caps runs Sunday were earned.

West Michigan outhit the ‘Hawks in the series, 46-22 and out-scored South Bend, 33-12.

Whitecaps!!

Wells leads offense in home-opening win

April 7th, 2008

COMSTOCK PARK – The West Michigan Whitecaps are 5-0 and are within a game of matching the best start in team history following an 11-1 drubbing of Great Lakes in the ‘Caps home opener.

Casper Wells led the 14-hit West Michigan attack by going 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs and four RBI. Wells hit solo shots to lead off both the third and sixth innings and delivered a two-run single in the seventh. He is the first Whitecaps to hit two home runs in one game at Fifth Third Ballpark since Kelly Hunt on August 27, 2004 versus Wisconsin.

Jon Kibler made his first start as a Whitecap and tossed five innings with three hits and one unearned run allowed. The Michigan State product also struck out four and yielded no walks.

Every player in the West Michigan lineup either recorded a hit or reached base except for third baseman Ronnie Bourquin who had collected at least one RBI in each of his first four games.

Chris Carlson had two doubles while Audy Ciriaco and Kody Kaiser each had RBI triples. Eight of the Whitecaps’ 14 hits went for extra bases.

In the first five games of the season, the Whitecaps have out hit the opposition, 60-27 and have outscored opponents, 44-13, including three games with a double-digit run output.

Santo Mieses relieved Kibler and tossed three perfect innings for West Michigan. Andrew Hess threw a scoreless ninth for the ‘Caps.

Mark McBratney went 3-for-5 and scored four runs for the Whitecaps.

The only Loons run of the night came on a sacrifice fly by Erik Kanaby. Joseph Becker scored on the play. He reached base on an error to start the third inning.

Travis Vetters went 2-for-3 to account for half of the Loons’ four hits.

They're still perfect!

Perfection ended by the Loons

April 8th, 2008

COMSTOCK PARK – For the first time this season, the Whitecaps fell behind by more than one run and went on to lose for the first time this year, 5-1 against Great Lakes.

Andrew Lambo spurred the Loons offense by going 3-for-3 with a triple, double and a single. He collected an RBI on each hit.

Great Lakes took the lead in the first inning on a single by Lambo that drove in Preston Mattingly.

West Michigan responded in the bottom of the second when Audy Ciriaco delivered an RBI hit to drive in Jordan Newton and tie the game, 1-1.

In the third inning, Great Lakes bunched three extra base hits to score twice then added two more runs in the fifth.

Mattingly and Jovanny Rosario each scored twice for the Loons. Brian Mathews crossed the plate once.

All seven of the Loons hits came from the top four hitters in the lineup: Rosario, Mattingly, Mathews and Lambo.

Justin Miller notched his first win of the season with five innings of work and one run allowed on four hits. Bobby Blevins tossed four shutout innings of relief with one hit allowed to pick up the save.

Whitecaps starting pitcher Ramon Garcia followed a five shutout inning performance on opening night with six innings Tuesday, but allowed five runs on seven hits.

Wilton Garcia threw two scoreless innings of relief for the ‘Caps and Noah Krol retired the Loons in order in the ninth.

With the end of the five game winning streak, the Whitecaps settle for the second best start in team history. It is second only to a 6-0 opening to the 2001 campaign. Kane County, which did not play Tuesday due to rain, is the only remaining unbeaten team in the Midwest League at 5-0.

First shutout of the season for the ‘Caps

April 9th, 2008

COMSTOCK PARK – Great Lakes pitchers issued eight walks – three of them with the bases loaded – as the Whitecaps added 12 hits and shutout the Loons, 9-0. It was the first shutout victory for the Whitecaps during the regular season since a 4-0 rain-shortened triumph at Great Lakes on August 23, 2007.

Kyle Peter led the offense by going 3-for-3 with a pair of walks and three RBI.

Alfredo Figaro tossed six shutout innings with three hits allowed to pick up the win. He walked two but struck out seven.

Paul Nardozzi pitched two shutout innings in relief and Rudy Darrow threw a scoreless ninth for the Whitecaps.

Joe Tucker and Kody Kaiser each scored twice for West Michigan.

Tucker, Kaiser and Peter drew consecutive bases loaded walks off Loons reliever Jonathan Dutton during a four run rally in the fifth, which featured a total of three hits and four walks.

Chris Carlson and Kaiser each had two hits for West Michigan.

The Whitecaps scored three times in the third inning to take the lead on Great Lakes starting pitcher Bryan Morris. Following the four-run fifth, the ‘Caps added their final two runs in the seventh inning.

Casper Wells hit a pop up to shallow center field that fell for an RBI double in the seventh. It was the only extra base hit of the night for either team.

Wednesday marked the first time this season that a Whitecaps opponent did not make in error in a game against West Michigan.

Second straight game rained out

April 11th, 2008

CLINTON, IA - Thanks to cold, wet weather and the resulting soggy playing surface at Alliant Energy Field, Friday’s scheduled game between the Whitecaps and LumberKings has been postponed.

Because of the forecast for winter weather on Saturday a double header has been scheduled for 5 p.m. EDT, rather than the originally planned single game start time of 8 p.m. EDT.

This is the second consecutive Whitecaps game that has been rained out. The LumberKings have missed four straight games and have not played since Monday because of weather problems on their trip to Wisconsin.

Pitching match ups for the twin bill remain to be determined.

Entry Filed under: General, Press Releases

Santana smacks walk off homer for Clinton

April 12th, 2008

CLINTON, IA – For the first time since July 10, 2005, the Whitecaps lost at
Alliant Energy Field when Cristian Santana hit the first pitch in the bottom of the seventh inning for a towering home run to give Clinton an 8-7 victory. The loss ended a nine game win streak for the Whitecaps in Clinton. West Michigan grabbed a 4-0 lead in the second inning off LumberKings starter Derek Holland.

However, Manny Miguelez gave up three walks in four hits in the bottom of the inning, which allowed Clinton to claim a 6-4 advantage.

The Whitecaps tied the game on a double in the sixth inning when Kyle Peter stole second while Kody Kaiser stole home.

Santo Mieses allowed the game winning home run.

Clinton has won five games in a row.

Entry Filed under: General, Post-Game Reports

LumberKings sweep twin bill from ‘Caps

April 12th, 2008

CLINTON, IA – Jonathan Greene hit a grand slam off Lauren Gagnier in the sixth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit and propel Clinton to a 5-2 win and a double header sweep of the Whitecaps. It was the first grand slam hit by the LumberKings since 2004.

Clinton won the first game of the double header, 8-7.

Gagnier struck out eight batters in 5.2 innings of work and the grand slam came on an 0-2 pitch to Greene with two out.

Four Clinton pitchers held the Whitecaps to two hits. It was the first time West Michigan had been held to two hits since a 1-0 win over Dayton on September 4, 2006.

Starting pitcher Neftali Feliz walked five of the first seven Whitecaps batters and threw a wild pitch before he was removed from the game. The ‘Caps came away with two runs in the first inning, but left the bases loaded when reliever Ryan Turner struck out Kody Kaiser.

Turner threw 2.1 innings for the LumberKings while Julio Santana went three frames to earn the win and Daniel Sattler tossed a scoreless seventh to pick up the save.

Kyle Peter and Justin Henry each walked twice and scored once for West Michigan.

Jordan Newton, who caught both games in the double header, recorded the only ‘Caps RBI of game two on a bases loaded walk.

Noah Krol finished the sixth inning on the mound for the Whitecaps, but yielded a run on a double by Carlos Dominguez.

The LumberKings have won six games in a row while West Michigan suffered consecutive defeats for the first time this season. A streak of nine consecutive victories at Alliant Energy Field came to a close for the Whitecaps with the defeat in game one.

Snow flurries fell at times during the two games with temperatures in the upper 30’s and wind chills in the upper 20’s.