Big First Dooms ‘Caps
PEORIA, IL – The West Michigan Whitecaps fell silent on offense as the Peoria Chiefs rode an eight-run first inning to an 8-2 victory Saturday night at Dozer Park. The Whitecaps failed to capitalize on multiple offensive opportunities, finishing 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile, the Chiefs piled on
PEORIA, IL – The West Michigan Whitecaps fell silent on offense as the Peoria Chiefs rode an eight-run first inning to an 8-2 victory Saturday night at Dozer Park.
The Whitecaps failed to capitalize on multiple offensive opportunities, finishing 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile, the Chiefs piled on eight runs in the first inning - tying the most allowed in a single frame by 'Caps pitching - as Carlos Guzman tied the shortest outing for a 'Caps starting pitcher, allowing six runs through 0.2 innings in the defeat. Peoria opened the first inning with back-to-back singles before Osvaldo Tovalin blasted a three-run home run, taking the 3-0 lead.
Later in the first, a fielding error and two wild pitches brought home four more runs before Mike Antico lifted a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 8-0. The Whitecaps bullpen was solid beyond the first, combining nine strikeouts through eight scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Peoria starting pitcher Edgar Manzo was solid in his Midwest League debut, allowing two runs through four innings as Trei Cruz lifted a sacrifice fly in the third, scoring Ben Malgeri and trimming the Chiefs lead to 8-1. Catcher Josh Crouch added a solo home run in the fourth, but West Michigan couldn't rally, as Peoria reliever Michael YaSenka retired 12 of the last 13 'Caps hitters to secure the 8-2 victory.
YaSenka (1-0) secures his first win, going five shutout innings with five strikeouts as Guzman (3-5) suffered his fifth loss. The Chiefs improve to 27-35 as the Whitecaps fall to 29-33. The 'Caps need a win tomorrow to secure their first series victory since taking four out of six in Fort Wayne back on May 22nd. Whitecaps pitching has allowed 40 runs through the first five games of this series, the most allowed in a single series so far this season.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps conclude this six-game series with the Peoria Chiefs from Dozer Park on Sunday at 2:35 pm. Pitcher Dylan Smith takes the mound for the ‘Caps against Chiefs right Dionys Rodriguez. Broadcast coverage with Nate Wangler starts on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 2:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2022 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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