LocalSportsJournal.com

The West Michigan Whitecaps used great defense, timely hitting, and the services of Detroit Tigers pitcher Shane Greene in their 3-1 win over the host Fort Wayne TinCaps Friday at Parkview Field.LSJ Logo incert

Greene, who was on a minor league rehab assignment with West Michigan, pitched three scoreless innings on two hits, walking a batter and striking out five.whitecaps logo not for feature art

The Whitecaps broke a scoreless tie in the sixth when David Gonzalez lined his first home run of the season down the right field line to give West Michigan a 1-0 lead.

The Whitecaps tallied single runs in the seventh and eighth innings, thanks to a triple by Jose Azocar and a sacrifice fly by Will Allen to extend the lead to 3-0.

The TinCaps scored a run in the ninth inning, and put the potential winning run on base, before outfielder Azocar thwarted the Fort Wayne rally with a spectacular throw to home plate to retire Brad Zunica attempting to score for the second out.

Whitecaps pitcher Beau Burrows (2-3) picked up the victory, pitching five innings of shutout in relief of Greene while striking out two. Closer Jake Shull allowed a run on four hits in the ninth, but managed to pick up his fifth save.

Gonzalez led the way for West Michigan’s offense, going 3-for-3 with the homerun.

The ‘Caps improved to a season-best four games over .500 at 21-17, while Fort Wayne fell to 21-20.