LocalSportsJournal.com
COMSTOCK PARK – The West Michigan Whitecaps saw their bullpen struggle as the Dayton Dragons used a massive seventh inning to propel them to a 7-3 victory Friday night.
The game was played before 4,205 spectators at LMCU Ballpark.
After not allowing an earned run through the first three games of the series, the Whitecaps’ bullpen struggled mightily, allowing five runs in the seventh inning.
Meanwhile, the offense finished 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the defeat.
Dayton jumped out early by plating two runs in the first inning as Austin Callahan roped an RBI double and Michael Trautwein knocked in Callahan.
Whitecaps designated hitter Austin Murr opened the third with a triple and Steele Walker scored him on an RBI groundout. Jace Jung blasted his first homer of the year that tied the game at 2-all.
The Whitecaps managed just one hit past the third inning as Dayton exploded for five runs in the seventh – featuring a two-run home run from prized prospect Edwin Arroyo and an RBI triple from Tyler Callihan – storming back in front 7-2.
West Michigan scored on a wild pitch in the seventh.
The Whitecaps fall to 8-5 and sit a half-game behind the Lake County Captains for first place in the Midwest League East Division.
Whitecaps pitcher Angel Reyes (1-1) gave up five runs in one inning of work and took the loss.
West Michigan shortstop Danny Serretti collected a double in the third inning to extend his hitting streak to a team-best nine games.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps and Dragons play at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Australian lefty Jack O’Loughlin makes a start for West Michigan against the Dragons’ Julian Aguilar.
Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 1:45 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
