[dropcap]D[/dropcap]espite tonight’s game being postponed due to inclement weather, the West Michigan Whitecaps still found a way to win something, as starting pitcher Austin Kubitza was named the Midwest League pitcher of the week.
After two starts, Kubitza has been dominant for the ‘Caps, winning both of his starts while posting a 0.84 ERA in 10.2 innings. The 22-year old has been very successful pitching in the strike zone and limiting his walks, striking out 16 batters and only walking two.
Since allowing a run in the first inning during his season debut, Kubitza has not allowed a run in a combined 9.2 innings between Dayton and Beloit.
A fourth-round pick out of Rice University last year, Kubitza has been a solid addition to a Whitecaps rotation which has a collective ERA of 2.32. Pitching has been a strength for the ‘Caps so far this year, as they also lead the Midwest League with a combined 96 strikeouts and have allowed just two home runs through their first ten games.
Today’s scheduled game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday. The doubleheader will consist of two seven-inning games which will be played with a 30-minute break in between. RHP Jeff Thompson will take the mound for the Whitecaps in the opener, and LHP Kent Emanuel will start for the Quad Cities River Bandits, with a scheduled first pitch at 5:30 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.
For the night cap, LHP Jeff Ziomek will be starting for the Whitecaps and RHP Jandel Gustave will get the nod for the River Bandits.
