LocalSportsJournal.com
LANSING – The West Michigan Whitecaps brought the potential tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but ultimately were dealt their first defeat of the season.
The Whitecaps lost 5-2 to the Lansing Lugnuts on Tuesday night at Jackson Field.
After falling behind 5-0 after seven innings, the ‘Caps finally broke through in the eighth with their first run. They scored another in the ninth and two on base before their rally fell short.
The Lugnuts, celebrating their 2023 Opening Night on Tuesday, plated a pair of runs in the first inning by taking advantage of two West Michigan errors. An RBI-single by Jonny Butler highlighted the early Lansing lead.
In the fifth, Oakland Athletics’ top prospect Max Muncy delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 4-0.
After plating a run in the sixth, the ‘Caps scored on an RBI-groundout by Roberto Campos.
In the ninth, Danny Serretti’s run-scoring single put the possible tying run at the plate in Detroit Tiger draft pick Jace Jung, who struck out swinging to end the contest.
The Lugnuts become one of the final two undefeated teams in the Midwest League (Cedar Rapids) at 4-0, while the Whitecaps fall to 3-1.
Lugnuts relief pitcher Kumar Nambiar (1-0) retired five ‘Caps hitters to collect his first win.
Serretti, Jung, and Dillon Paulson each picked up a pair of base hits in a losing cause.
Lansing outfielder Caeden Trenkle went 4-for-5 with a double and a run scored in the victory.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps continue this series with the second game of their six-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m.
Pitcher Wilkel Hernandez makes his second start of the year against Lugnuts righthander Mitch Myers.
Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 5:50 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
