LANSING, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps fell behind early and never recovered as part of a 5-3 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,719 fans on Friday at Jackson Field.
The ‘Caps fell into a four-run deficit just three innings into a contest, resulting in a loss
LANSING, MI – The West Michigan Whitecaps fell behind early and never recovered as part of a 5-3 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,719 fans on Friday at Jackson Field.
The ‘Caps fell into a four-run deficit just three innings into a contest, resulting in a loss that trims their lead in the Midwest League Eastern Division to just 1.5 games over the Fort Wayne TinCaps for first place.
The Lugnuts took control of the contest early on Thursday, scoring four of their five runs in the first three innings. RBI-doubles from Joshwan Wright and Jacob Wilson pushed the ‘Nuts out to a 3-0 lead before adding another run in the third. Meanwhile, Lansing starter James Gonzalez kept the ‘Caps off the scoreboard over his first five innings before West Michigan collected three runs in the sixth. Run-scoring singles from Gage Workman and Eliezer Alfonzo highlighted a three-run frame to trim the ‘Caps deficit to 4-3. In the seventh, the Lugnuts plated a vital insurance run from T.J. Schofield-Sam, extending their lead to 5-3. The ‘Caps brought the go-ahead run to the plate in both the eighth and ninth innings but came no closer as they fell to the Lugnuts for the first time in the series.
The Whitecaps record drops to 64-57 overall and 32-24 in the second half, while the Lugnuts improve to 57-65 and 26-31 in the second half. Starting pitcher Dylan Smith (1-1) gave up four runs in five innings in suffering his first loss with West Michigan this season, while Gonzalez (2-0) collected his second victory after striking out eight batters in 5.1 frames. John Beller struck out the final batter to end the contest to earn his fourth save of the season. Workman and Stephenson each collected a pair of hits in a losing cause.
UP NEXT
This series at Jackson Field between the Whitecaps and Lansing Lugnuts continues Friday at 7:05 pm. Pitchers Troy Melton and Jake Garland get the starts for West Michigan and Lansing. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:50 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.