Not even a 71-minute rain delay would be able to slow down the West Michigan Whitecaps offense, as they defeated the Beloit Snappers by a final score of 8-1.
The 15 hits West Michigan (5-4) recorded marked a season high, with Rafe Rhymes, Brett Harrison and Wynton Bernard contributing three hits each. Beloit (4-5) took an early 1-0 lead in the first, but that’s all the damage Whitecaps’ starter Buck Farmer would allow. After a rocky first inning, Farmer and the Whitecaps’ bullpen would only allow one more baserunner to even reach second base for the remainder of the game.
Despite falling behind early, the Whitecaps had a 4-1 lead in the sixth when the game was delayed by heavy rains. Once play resumed, the ‘Caps picked up right where they left off.
After loading the bases on three straight singles, Snappers’ reliever Trevor Bayless walked Jose Zambrano, allowing a run to score. Javier Betancourt followed up with an RBI single to center. With the bases still loaded, Rhymes delivered a two-run single down the third-base line.
Farmer (1-1) got the win for the Whitecaps by limiting the damage in the first, despite the less than favorable pitching conditions. Farmer regained his composure quickly, allowing only seven hits while striking out six and walking one.
Despite taking the loss, Dylan Covey (0-1) pitched well for the Snappers, allowing four runs – of only three which were earned – on eight hits in five innings of work.
The Whitecaps will end their homestand today as they look to sweep the Snappers, with a 1:00 p.m start. Austin Kubitza is scheduled to start for the the Whitecaps against right-handed pitcher Ronald Herrera of the Snappers.
