LocalSportsJournal.com
COMSTOCK PARK – The West Michigan Whitecaps collected their third shutout of the season on Thursday, a 2-0 in a rain-shortened 2-0 victory over the Dayton Dragons.
Three pitchers combined to hold the Dragons to just two hits over eight scoreless innings.
In the bottom of the eighth, a thunderstorm reached Comstock Park and forced the early completion of the contest.
The Whitecaps scored an unconventional run, as Dragons starting pitcher Javi Rivera committed a balk to score Austin Murr from third base. The call led to the ejection of Dayton manager Bryan LaHair and gave the ‘Caps a 1-0 lead.
In the fifth, a second double by Murr plated Justice Bigbie to extend the West Michigan edge to 2-0. Murr doubled in his third and final at-bat, making him the first Whitecaps player with a three-double game since Cooper Johnson accomplished the feat on July 31, 2021.
Meanwhile, the ‘Caps pitching staff was solid as starting pitcher Keider Montero struck out seven Dragons hitters in four one-hit, scoreless frames. Reliever Tyler Mattison (2-0) struck out three batters in two scoreless innings and collected his second win of the season. Chavez Fernander tossed the final two innings to pick up his first save.
The Whitecaps improve to 8-4 and a first-place tie with the Lake County Captains in the Midwest League Eastern Division.
UP NEXT
This six-game series between the Whitecaps and Dragons at LMCU Ballpark continues Friday at 6:35 pm.
Former Ohio State Buckeye Garrett Burhenn makes a start for West Michigan against the Dragons’ Thomas Farr.
Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 pm. Get your tickets for all 2023 home games now at www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
