LocalSportsJournal.com
The West Michigan Whitecaps opened their 2016 season with a 9-4 road victory over host South Bend on Thursday evening at Four Winds Field.
The Whitecaps offense wasted no time, scoring eight runs in the first three innings, which included a three-run first inning.
South Bend attempted to come back by scoring single runs in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, but was unable to catch up.
With the score 8-2 in the top of the sixth, the Whitecaps added an insurance run, then cruised to the season-opening win.
Brett Pirtle led the Whitecaps with two doubles and three RBIs while Josh Lester and Jose Azocar each had two hits.
Pitcher Jonathan Maciel picked up the win, pithing 1.1 innings of relief, allowing one run on four hits. Starter Spenser Watkins lasted 4.2 innings, allowing two runs, four hits, two walks, and striking out three hitters.
The Whitecaps will play at 7:35 on Friday at South Bend.
