The TinCaps hosted an energetic crowd of 7,309 fans on Thursday night at Parkview Field, but the Lake County Captains spoiled the party with an 11-2 win.
Game recap from the Fort Wayne TinCaps:
7,300-Plus at Parkview Field on Thursday Night, But Visitors Spoil Party
Fort Wayne, Indiana (July 20, 2023) – The TinCaps hosted an energetic crowd of 7,309 fans on Thursday night at Parkview Field, but the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Guardians affiliate) spoiled the party with an 11-2 win.
The game was delayed 31 minutes by rain, though it was sunny and 74 degrees by first pitch.
Lake County (9-12, 40-46) struck first with catcher Joe Donovan’s solo homer in the top of the third.
The Captains scored in the seventh when center fielder Jake Fox (No. 8 Guardians prospect) singled homer Donovan with a ground ball hit following a one-out fly ball triple, giving the Captains a 2-0 lead. Then in the eighth, Lake County added another off Donovan’s sacrifice fly before shortstop Milan Tolentino (No. 19 Guardians prospect) hit a two-out, two-run single to make it 5-0.
In the ninth, left fielder Joe Lampe ripped an RBI single to extend the Captain lead. Donovan also drew a bases-loaded walk and Fox drove in second baseman Nate Furman with a hit. Tolentino later cleared the bases with a three-run triple.
First-place Fort Wayne (13-8, 45-42) scored its only two runs in the bottom of the ninth, thanks to a bases-loaded walk by shortstop Kervín Pichardo. Third baseman Graham Pauley (No. 30 Padres prospect) later scored on a ground ball.
The TinCaps got strong pitching from Henry Henry, who started and allowed just one run over three innings. Aaron Holiday tossed a pair of shutout frames and Carter Loewen recorded three straight punchouts with the bases loaded in the sixth to keep it a one-run game at the time.
The ‘Caps were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Despite the loss, the ‘Caps are still tied for first place with Great Lakes (LAD), but since the Loons won the first half, they’ve already clinched a playoff spot. The next closest team is West Michigan (DET), which trails Fort Wayne by three games.
Friday is ‘90s Night at Parkview Field. The TinCaps will wear throwback Wizards jerseys and hats, honoring the franchise’s nickname from 1993-2008. Wayne the Wizard and Dinger the Dragon will be on hand, and fans can enjoy fireworks after the game, presented by TriCore.
Next Game: Friday, July 21 vs. Lake County (7:05 p.m.)
- TinCaps Probable Starter: LHP Austin Krob
- Captains Probable Starter: LHP Rodney Boone
Related Images:
