BELOIT, WI – A misjudged fly ball led to a go-ahead two-run double from Jose Estrada as the West Michigan Whitecaps saw a two-run lead evaporate into a 3-2 loss to the Beloit Sky Carp on Sunday afternoon at ABC Supply Stadium.
The loss gives Beloit wins in five of
BELOIT, WI – A misjudged fly ball led to a go-ahead two-run double from Jose Estrada as the West Michigan Whitecaps saw a two-run lead evaporate into a 3-2 loss to the Beloit Sky Carp on Sunday afternoon at ABC Supply Stadium.
The loss gives Beloit wins in five of the six games of this series, sending the ‘Caps out of first place for the first time since June 30. A Lake County Captains win on Sunday over the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Classic Park has placed the Captains a game ahead of West Michigan in the Midwest League Eastern Division second-half race. On Tuesday, the Whitecaps and Captains open a six-game series beginning Tuesday night at LMCU Ballpark.
Sunday’s contest began as a pitcher’s duel, with West Michigan starter Keider Montero matching Beloit lefty Luis Palacios inning-for-inning through the first five frames. The Whitecaps scored the game’s first runs in the sixth when Trei Cruz lined an RBI-single before Jake Holton’s fielder’s choice plated a second run to extend the ‘Caps lead to 2-0. In the bottom of the frame, reliever Tim Holdgrafer stranded a runner at third base with none out as part of 1.2 scoreless frames out of the bullpen.
In the eighth, Jared Tobey got the first out of the frame before manager Brayan Pena called on righty Chavez Fernander, who allowed three singles and a walk to the four batters he faced. A run-scoring single by Ynmanol Marinez gave Beloit their first run, trimming the deficit to 2-1. Closer Andrew Magno entered to face catcher Jose Estrada, who lifted a fly ball to left field. Outfielder Carlos Mendoza broke in on the baseball, only to watch it fly over his head, resulting in a go-ahead two-run double to give Beloit a 3-2 lead. In the ninth, Mendoza attempted to atone for the miscue with his third base hit of the contest. With Austin Murr running at second base, he was thrown out at home plate attempting to score the tying run for the second out of the inning. After an infield single by Chase Barbary, pinch hitter Jose King fouled out to end the contest and seal Beloit’s Sunday victory.
The Whitecaps record falls to 57-51 and 26-16 in the second half. The Sky Carp elevate to 24-18 and 55-52 overall. Raul Brito (4-3) earns the win in relief – his fourth of the season, while Fernander (2-2) takes his second loss. Brady Puckett collects his second save of the season by tossing a scoreless ninth. Mendoza went 3-for-4 at the plate, his third three-hit performance of the season, in a losing cause.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps return home for a pivotal six-game series against the division-leading Lake County Captains from LMCU Ballpark beginning Tuesday at 6:35 pm. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2022 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.