COMSTOCK PARK, MI –The West Michigan Whitecaps struggled to generate offensive momentum, failing to rally in a 4-2 defeat to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in front of 5,183 fans Tuesday night at LMCU Ballpark.
Whitecaps hitters couldn’t capitalize on several run-scoring opportunities, finishing just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position
COMSTOCK PARK, MI –The West Michigan Whitecaps struggled to generate offensive momentum, failing to rally in a 4-2 defeat to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in front of 5,183 fans Tuesday night at LMCU Ballpark.
Whitecaps hitters couldn’t capitalize on several run-scoring opportunities, finishing just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position while leaving ten runners on base in the defeat. Over their last five games, the ‘Caps hold a record of 1-4 and are hitting .167 (10-for-60) with runners on second or third base.
Wisconsin struck in the first inning as catcher Matthew Wood roped an RBI single before DH Darrien Miller lifted a sacrifice fly, putting the Timber Rattlers in front 2-0. West Michigan responded in the fourth as Chris Meyers opened the frame with a solo home run, cutting the lead to 2-1. The Whitecaps struck again in the fifth, as Jace Jung delivered an RBI single to level the game at 2-2. The Timber Rattlers were down to their final strike with the bases loaded in the eighth, as Miller cracked a critical two-run single to forge Wisconsin in front 4-2. The Whitecaps loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning but couldn’t get the crucial swing they needed, as Timber Rattlers reliever Karlos Morales recorded the final out to earn a save and the 4-2 win.
The Timber Rattlers improve to 19-32 as the Whitecaps fall to 28-24 and now sit eight games behind the Great Lakes Loons for first place in the Midwest League East division. Timber Rattlers reliever Luis Amaya (1-2) secures his first win, tossing three scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts as Morales collects his second save. ‘Caps reliever Dario Gardea (0-2) suffers his second loss, allowing two runs through two innings in the defeat. With the loss, the Whitecaps tie their longest losing streak of the season at four-straight games.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue this six-game series LMCU Ballpark against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Wednesday at 6:35 pm. Pitcher Beau Brieske of the Detroit Tigers is expected to make an appearance for the Whitecaps as part of an MLB Rehab Assignment, while Troy Melton will follow for West Michigan against Cameron Wagoner. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.