[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ustin Kubitza turned in a solid outing for the West Michigan Whitecaps, as they defeated the Dayton Dragons by a final score of 5-1.
Wtih the Whitecaps leading 2-1 in the top of the fifth, Ben Verlander roped a three-run double down the left-field line, providing more than enough offense for the Whitecaps as their staff combined to allow just one run and five hits for the game.
Leading the way was Kubitza who pitched five innings of one-run ball, but the bullpen was equally effective. Joe Mantiply added three scoreless innings and Montreal Robertson sealed the win without surrendering a run in the ninth inning.
After spending the first four games of the season on the road, the Whitecaps (2-2) will head to Fifth Third Ballpark on Tuesday for their home opener against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Jeff Thompson is expected to start for the Whitecaps, and the Timber Rattlers are scheduled to start Zach Quintana.
First pitch for the game is scheduled at 6:35 p.m., but fans should plan on arriving early to enjoy all of the opening ceremonies, including a retrospective lithograph of Fifth Third park which will be given away to the first 1,000 fans. Other activities scheduled for the day include a post-game firework show, jugglers, stilt-walkers and face paintings for the kids.
