COMSTOCK PARK, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps struggled to collect base hits as the Dayton Dragons stole the series finale in ten innings by a score of 5-4 in front of 5,311 fans Sunday at LMCU Ballpark.
The Whitecaps managed only two hits as a team, finishing 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position as Dayton pitchers combined for 13 total strikeouts in the Dragons victory.
West Michigan tallied a run in the first inning as a passed ball allowed Eric De La Rosa to score from third, putting the ‘Caps ahead 1-0. In the third, Gage Workman lifted a sacrifice fly to score Andrew Navigato and extend the Whitecaps advantage to 2-0. Dayton responded in the sixth, plating three runs – highlighted by a two-run double from Alex McGarry – forging the Dragons in front 3-2. In the bottom half, Jimmy Kerr stole home to level the score at 3-3. Kerr became the first Whitecap to steal home since Sam McMillan on August 15, 2019. The Whitecaps loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth before Cole MacLaren struck out looking, sending us into the tenth inning tied at three.
Dayton notched a pair of runs in the top of the 10th inning to retake the lead 5-3. Daniel Cabrera plated MacLaren on a sacrifice fly advancing runners into second and third with two outs in the bottom of the tenth. Still, West Michigan couldn’t finish the comeback as Workman grounded out to end the ‘Caps hopes and deliver Dayton the 5-4 victory.
Whitecaps starter Garrett Hill had a solid outing, allowing just three runs while striking out five Dragons hitters through seven innings of work as bullpen arm Angel Reyes (1-3) suffered his third loss of 2021, giving up two runs through 2.1 innings pitched. Dragons reliever Ricky Karcher (1-0) pitched just one inning, allowing one run while walking four ‘Caps hitters in his first victory as John Ghyzel collected his fourth save of the year. The Dragons improve to 44-40 as the ‘Caps fall to 40-44, but West Michigan wins their first series since sweeping the Lake County Captains in a six-game series from May 25-30 at LMCU Ballpark.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps hit the road for a six-game series from Classic Park against the Lake County Captains beginning Tuesday night at 7:00 pm. West Michigan sends righty Brendan White to the mound against the Captains. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:45 pm. Get your tickets for all 2021 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
