‘Caps Bitten by Timber Rattlers in Sweep
APPLETON, WI – The West Michigan Whitecaps offense tallied 15 runs in a doubleheader at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, fell in a pair of one-run losses to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers by scores of 9-8 and 8-7. The highlight of the afternoon came in Game One, when Spencer Torkelson,
APPLETON, WI – The West Michigan Whitecaps offense tallied 15 runs in a doubleheader at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, fell in a pair of one-run losses to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers by scores of 9-8 and 8-7.
The highlight of the afternoon came in Game One, when Spencer Torkelson, the first pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, launched the first home run of his professional career as part of a 3-for-4, 3-RBI performance. In Game Two, the ‘Caps rallied from a two-run deficit when Daniel Cabrera and Andre Lipcius tied the game with back-to-back solo home runs before Timber Rattlers catcher Thomas Dillard delivered a walkoff home run to end the contest.
WATCH: TORK’S FIRST WHITECAPS HOMER
The Whitecaps were forced to play from behind almost all-day Saturday, as the Timber Rattlers took a commanding 5-0 lead over the first two innings highlighted by a Hayden Cantrelle two-run single. In the third, Torkelson ripped a two-run single to help trim the deficit to 5-3. In the bottom of the frame, Jesus Lujano helped Wisconsin reestablish a four-run lead with a two-run home run – his third of the season to up the lead to 7-3. In the fourth, Rey Rivera blasted his third home run of the series before Torkelson drove a breaking ball high over the center field wall for his first home run in affiliated baseball.
Wisconsin added two more runs in the fifth before the Whitecaps battled back to within a run at 9-8 in the seventh and final inning, but Rivera flew out to deep right to end the first ballgame.
In the nightcap, Jose King launched his first homer as a Whitecap to help take a 2-0 lead into the third inning before starting pitcher Keider Montero gave up a go-ahead three-run homer to Korey Howell to give Wisconsin a 3-2 edge. The Timber Rattlers added on four more in the fourth in an inning highlighted by two-run singles from Lujano and Chad McClanahan to take a 6-2 lead.
Once again, the ‘Caps battled back with two runs in the sixth, when King stroked an RBI-double before a run-scoring single from Eduardo Valencia, who went 3-for-3 in his first career game with West Michigan to bring the deficit to 6-5. After Wisconsin tallied an insurance run in the sixth, Cabrera and Lipcius tied the game at seven with the back-to-back homers. In the bottom of the seventh and final inning of regulation, Dilliard carried the wall in center field with the game-winning home run – his third homer of the season – to end the contest and give Wisconsin a doubleheader sweep.
On the mound, Timber Rattlers pitchers Taylor Floyd and Harold Chirino collected victories in relief while ‘Caps pitchers Jesus Rodriguez and Zack Hess took the losses. The Whitecaps fall to 7-9 while the Timber Rattlers improve to 8-9. Saturday marks the first time the ‘Caps have given up a walkoff homer since former Michigan Wolverine Jonathan Engelmann did the same on June 23, 2019, at Lake County.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps and Timber Rattlers conclude this series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 pm. The Whitecaps send pitcher Garrett Hill to the mound for the second time this series against Timber Rattlers righty Justin Jarvis. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 1:50 pm. A limited number of tickets are available for select Whitecaps 2021 home contests by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
Whitecaps Rally Falls Short in 10, 5-4
EASTLAKE, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps rallied from a three-run deficit for the second straight day but could not get the big hit at the right time as part of a 5-4 loss to the Lake County Captains on Saturday at Classic Auto Group Park. A walk-off RBI-single by
Whitecaps Wash Away Captains in 5, 11-2
EASTLAKE, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps made quick work of the Lake County Captains Thursday evening with an 11-2 victory in a rain-shortened five innings at Classic Auto Group Park. The Whitecaps only needed half a contest to post their second-straight double-digit scoring performance. On Wednesday, the ‘Caps took
‘Caps Cruise Past Captains, 13-1
EASTLAKE, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps piled on six extra base hits as top prospects Max Clark and Josue Briceño shined in a 13-1 blowout of the Lake County Captains Wednesday evening at Classic Auto Group Park. Clark reached base four times in the victory, finishing 2-for-4 with three
‘Caps Conquered by Captains in 6-4 Loss
EASTLAKE, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps put the potential game-tying run on second base in the ninth inning but failed to complete the rally, falling to the Lake County Captains 6-4 Tuesday evening at Classic Park. The Whitecaps failed to convert on several prime opportunities, finishing just 2-for-13 with
Clark Lifts ‘Caps to Wild Walk-Off
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — Outfielder Max Clark delivered a game-tying home run and Andrew Jenkins scored on a game-ending wild pitch as the West Michigan Whitecaps capped off a series sweep of the Dayton Dragons with their second consecutive walk-off victory by a score of 7-6 in 10 innings Sunday
Peck Slays Dragons in Walk-off Winner
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps found themselves down a run in the bottom of the 11th inning when John Peck delivered the biggest swing of the day, driving home two runs to walk off the Dayton Dragons Saturday evening at LMCU Ballpark. Peck – who finished 0-for-5
Whitecaps Open Season with Shutout
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps drew ten walks while the pitching staff piled on 12 strikeouts in a 7-0 shutout win over the Dayton Dragons in front of 4,532 fans on opening night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps, who led the Midwest League with 13 shutouts in
Whitecaps Announce a Stacked 2025 Promotions Lineup
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (Feb. 10, 2025) - The first pitch of the 2025 season will be thrown at 6:35pm on Friday, April 4th as the Whitecaps take on the Dayton Dragons at LMCU Ballpark. The first 1,000 fans through the gates that night will receive a Whitecaps Campfire Mug, courtesy
Clark, McGonigle Headline Whitecaps ’25 Roster
Clark, McGonigle Headline Whitecaps ’25 Roster Two of Baseball’s Top Prospects to Open Season in West Michigan COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - - The West Michigan Whitecaps will benefit from their affiliation to Major League Baseball’s top farm system, with three of the top six Detroit Tigers prospects heading to LMCU
2025 Whitecaps Fan Food Vote Winner Announced
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (March 13, 2025) - Walk, or carefully run, to check out the new foods coming to LMCU Ballpark this summer! “The Fan Food Vote is always so much fun. It gets our fans’ creative juices flowing and it excites our team as it signals baseball season is
Cappuccilli Returns to Whitecaps Dugout
COMSTOCK PARK, MI – West Michigan Whitecaps manager Tony Cappuccilli is headed back to LMCU Ballpark, returning for his second season at the helm in 2025 with an all-new coaching staff as part of a move announced in conjunction with the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Cappuccilli (pronounced Cap-uh-CHELLY) hit the
Whitecaps Open Submissions for 2025 Fan Food Vote
COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (Feb. 6, 2025) - Have you ever thought, “You know what food would be great at the ballpark?” Well, it’s your time to shine! The West Michigan Whitecaps are bringing the Fan Food Vote back to LMCU Ballpark for the 2025 season, and they’re calling all fans
Kirk Gibson to Headline Whitecaps Annual Winter Fundraising Event
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\ KIRK GIBSON TO HEADLINE WHITECAPS ANNUAL WINTER FUNDRAISING EVENT Comstock Park, MI - - Thursday, January 16, 2025 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps announced today that Detroit Tigers legend and current Bally Sports Detroit color commentator Kirk Gibson will headline the Whitecaps Community Foundation Winter Banquet
West Michigan Whitecaps Announce Acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center, Rebranding as Game Time Fun Park for 2025
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\
\West Michigan Whitecaps Announce Acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center, Rebranding as Game Time Fun Park for 2025
Comstock Park, MI - - Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - - The West Michigan Whitecaps are thrilled to announce the acquisition of AJ’s Family Fun Center in Comstock Park,
Whitecaps Announce 2025 Game Times, Fireworks & More
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\
\Whitecaps Announce 2025 Game Times, Fireworks and More
Comstock Park, MI - - Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - - Comstock Park, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps have announced their game times for the upcoming 2025 season. The team welcomed more than 372,000 fans through the gates
Banana Ball Coming to LMCU Ballpark
\FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\ Banana Ball to Make First-Ever Michigan Appearance at LMCU Ballpark in 2025 Comstock Park, MI - - Friday, October 4, 2024 - - Get ready, West Michigan! The West Michigan Whitecaps are thrilled to announce that the Banana Ball World Tour will be making a stop in
‘Caps Fall in Season Finale, 4-2
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps grabbed an early advantage but couldn’t hold on as an eighth inning three-run homer from TJ Schofield-Sam was the difference in a 4-2 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,048 fans Sunday afternoon at LMCU Ballpark. West Michigan held a
Liranzo Launches ‘Caps to 2-1 Win
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps pitching staff walked the tightrope as MLB Top-100 prospect Thayron Liranzo delivered a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning in a 2-1 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 7,885 fans Saturday night at LMCU Ballpark. WATCH: LIRANZO’S TWO-RUN HOMER
‘Caps Crack Nuts in 6-5 Win
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — In a seesaw battle that saw three separate lead changes, the West Michigan Whitecaps leaned on late offensive firepower and a Thayron Liranzo two-run, go-ahead single in the seventh to earn them a 6-5 win over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 5,528 fans Friday night
‘Caps Wash Away Lugnuts, 7-3
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps fell behind early before exploding for five runs in the fourth inning as the bullpen stifled the Lansing Lugnuts in a 7-3 comeback victory in front of 5,219 fans on a rain-soaked Thursday night at LMCU Ballpark. The Whitecaps trailed 3-1 going
Whitecaps Blank Lugs, 1-0
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps collected their Midwest League-best 13th shutout of the year as ‘Caps pitchers silenced the Lansing Lugnuts in a 1-0 victory in front of 4,653 fans Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark. Whitecaps starter Jaden Hamm combined with relievers Max Alba, Tanner Kohlhepp, and
‘Caps Walk Off Lansing in 11, 5-4
COMSTOCK PARK, MI — The West Michigan Whitecaps trailed 4-1 going into the ninth inning before mounting a four-run rally as Luke Gold delivered a walk-off single in the 11th, earning the 5-4 victory over the Lansing Lugnuts in front of 4,443 fans Tuesday night at LMCU Ballpark. The ‘Caps
Whitecaps Settle for Split in Dayton
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps missed a chance to get a much-needed series win as part of a 7-2 loss to the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,706 fans at Day Air Ballpark on Sunday afternoon. The Whitecaps, who won three of the series’ first four games against
‘Caps Falter Late in Walk-Off Loss
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps finished on the wrong end of a back-and-forth contest as part of an 8-7 walk-off loss to the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,227 fans Saturday at Day Air Ballpark, dropping them 4.5 games behind in the race for a spot in the
‘Caps Strike Fast in 7-2 Win
DAYTON, OH — The West Michigan Whitecaps scored six runs in a two-inning span and pulled closer to a spot in the 2024 Minor League Baseball Postseason as part of a 7-2 victory over the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,130 fans Friday at Day Air Ballpark. Max Anderson sparked