COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Wilkel Hernandez and Ethan DeCaster combined on a four-hit shutout, and the West Michigan Whitecaps (26-27, 62-61) defeated the Lansing Lugnuts (30-24, 73-51), 5-0, on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.The Whitecaps took two of three games in the series and won the season series, 7-6.
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Wilkel Hernandez and Ethan DeCaster combined on a four-hit shutout, and the West Michigan Whitecaps (26-27, 62-61) defeated the Lansing Lugnuts (30-24, 73-51), 5-0, on Friday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Whitecaps took two of three games in the series and won the season series, 7-6.
Samad Taylor doubled on Hernandez's (Win, 2-5) first pitch of the game, but the 19-year-old Tigers prospect limited the Lugnuts to a mere Vinny Capra single through the next five innings, walking three and striking out six.
DeCaster (Save, 1) allowed a single to Ryan Gold and a double to Bryan Lizardo in the seventh for the Lugnuts' best threat, but stranded the runners at second and third in setting down the final eight batters of the game.
Lansing starter Donnie Sellers (Loss, 6-3) was activated from the Disabled List before the game and pitched well, allowing two runs (one earned) in the first inning and then shutting out the Whitecaps for the remainder of a four-inning stint.
The 'Caps tacked on a run in the fifth and two in the eighth against Kyle Weatherly to add insurance to their lead.
West Michigan second baseman Wenceel Perez went 4-for-4 in his Midwest League debut to lead the victors, while Taylor (1-for-3, double, walk) was the only Lugnut to reach base more than once.
Next up, the Lansing Mighty Wombats challenge the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Backyard Baseball Night powered by MI Student Aid on Saturday, August 18th, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a bobblehead of the GOAT, Pablo Sanchez! First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. To purchase tickets and live the Lug Life at Cooley Law School Stadium, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
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