Whitecaps turn tables in 10-0 romp

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – After being outscored 10-1 in the first two games of their six-game series, the West Michigan Whitecaps (17-15) responded with a 10-0 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts (16-17) on Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark.

2020 No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson went 3-for-3 with two singles, a double and two walks to lead the Whitecaps, who scored a run in the first inning, two in the fourth and one in the fifth against Lugnuts starter Richard Guasch before opening the game up with a five-run seventh.

The Lugnuts’ offense conversely was held to four hits – doubles from Jordan Díaz and Jared McDonald and singles by Ryan Gridley and Shane Selman – in its first shutout loss of the year.

Coming off six shutout innings in his prior start, Guasch allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk in four innings-plus, striking out three and departing with the bases loaded.

Dalton Sawyer handled the next 1 1/3 innings without giving up a hit, allowing only one inherited runner to score and striking out two.

Bryce Nightengale relieved Sawyer and tossed 1 1/3 innings, charged with five runs on one hit and four walks with two strikeouts.

Michael Danielak wrapped up the final four outs, giving up a run on four hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Right-hander Reid Birlingmair (4.30 ERA) starts the fourth game of the series, taking on Whitecaps right-hander Chance Kirby (3.24) at 7:05 p.m. Friday.

Lansing returns home next from June 15-20 against the Great Lakes Loons. To purchase tickets, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.

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