LocalSportsJournal.com
The West Michigan Whitecaps built an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Dayton Dragons by a score of 8-1 in front of 4,041 fans Friday 
night at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Whitecaps stormed out of the gate, striking for three runs in the opening inning. Run-scoring singles by first baseman Will Allen and outfielder Jose Azocar gave West Michigan a 3-0 advantage.
In the second, a two-run single by second baseman Brett Pirtle extended the Caps’ lead to 5-0.
West Michigan added three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Allen into the right-field corner to complete the scoring in the contest.
The Whitecaps amade a number of dazzling defensive plays in the ballgame, including an over-the-shoulder catch by outfielder Derek Hill to rob Dragons catcher Tyler Stephenson of extra bases in the fifth.
Starting pitcher Matt Hall (2-0) earns his second win with a dominant performance over six innings. Catcher Shane Zeile led the ‘Caps offense, going 4-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI.
Friday’s victory helps the Whitecaps climb back over the .500 mark with an 8-7 record, while Dayton falls to 3-13 in 2016.
The two teams will continue their four-game series with a 4 p.m. start Saturday at Fifth Third Ballpark.
