The Fort Wayne TinCaps allowed a season-high 18 runs in an 18-6 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark.
Rodriguez Hits Grand Slam in Loss
By Jack McMullenComstock Park, Michigan (August 18, 2021) – The Fort Wayne TinCaps allowed a season-high 18 runs in an 18-6 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate) on Wednesday night at LMCU Ballpark.
The TinCaps (43-49) actually led early, 1-0. In the top of the second, a two-out RBI single to center field from third baseman Ethan Skender to brought in shortstop Justin Lopez from second base. The single not only made it 1-0, but it marked 16 straight starts that Skender has reached base safely.
However, the lead didn’t last long. In the bottom of the second, the Whitecaps (44-48) added three runs on an RBI groundout from third baseman Jimmy Kerr and a two-run single from second baseman Wenceel Perez. That was after West Michigan loaded the bases against Fort Wayne starter Carlos Guarate.
West Michigan wasn’t done there as the home team plated six runs in the third. A two-run home run from Tigers No. 4 prospect Daniel Cabrera and a two-run single from right fielder Parker Meadows highlighted the inning.
In the fifth, the Whitecaps added seven more to their total to extend their lead to 16-1. There were four walks and a hit-by-pitch in the onslaught of an inning.
Offensively, the TinCaps were stymied by West Michigan starter Austin Bergner. The former North Carolina Tar Heel threw six innings of one-run ball, striking out six and walking just one.
Two more Whitecap runs came across in the sixth to push the lead to 18-1.
Fort Wayne did show some fight late. In the top of the seventh, after second baseman Chris Givin drew a bases-loaded walk, first baseman Yorman Rodriguez blasted a grand slam to cut the TinCap deficit to a dozen. The slam was Rodriguez’s second home run as a member of the TinCaps, and both have come in the last four games.
Next Game: Thursday, August 19 at West Michigan (7:05 p.m.)
Fort Wayne Probable Starter: LHP Danny Denz
West Michigan Probable Starter: RHP Garrett Hill
Watch: MiLB.TV
Listen: 1380 The Fan & 100.9 FM | TinCapsRadio.com
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