[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he West Michigan Whitecaps were looking forward to returning to Fifth Third Ballpark for their current homestand, but the first two games have left them with their longest losing streak of the season so far.
Coming off a tough loss on Monday, the Whitecaps couldn’t get anything going offensively, losing to the Bowling Green Hot Rods by a final score of 5-0.
Even though the Hot Rods (4-13) had lost their last 13 contests entering the homestand, their pitching staff combined to only allow four hits against the Whitecaps (9-9) while also tallying 12 hits.
Bowling Green took an early 1-0 lead in the first after back-to-back-to-back singles with one out by Kean Wong, Johnny Field and Paul Blair. Whitecaps’ starter Kevin Ziomek (0-2) struck out the next batter and then induced what appeared to be an inning-ending groundball, but an error on third baseman Brett Harrison allowed two runs to score, giving the Hot Rods a 3-0 lead.
That was more than enough offense for the Hot Rods, as their pitching staff never allowed a Whitecaps’ baserunner to even reach third base for the duration of the game. Blake Snell (1-2) cruised through six innings allowing no runs, three hits and two walks, while striking out three. The bullpen didn’t miss a beat, combining for three innings of one-hit ball.
Whitecaps lose in extra innings again
Although disappointing, Tuesday’s loss wasn’t nearly as frustrating as Monday’s game was for the Whitecaps. Despite having the lead in the ninth inning on Monday, the Whitecaps weren’t able to hold of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, losing in 10 innings by a final score of 7-4.
The Whitecaps ended up having to replace starting pitcher Jeff Thompson, who was scratched during pre-game warmups. Replacing him was Jon Maciel, who pitched very well considering the little notice he got, allowing seven hits and two runs, while striking out three without issuing a walk. Unfortunately luck was not on Maciel’s side, as he was not able to earn the win.
Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning, the Hot Rods tied the game after Pat Blair’s single was followed by a RBI double off the bat of Granden Goetzman. Whitecaps’ reliever Scott Sitz was able to avoid any more damage in the ninth, but ended up taking the loss in the 10th.
After allowing a one-out single and a walk, Sitz fell behind 3-1 to Armando Araiza, who belted a three-run home run to left field, giving the Hot Rods their first lead of the night.
Stone Speer (1-0) recorded the win for the Hot Rods, allowing just one baserunner over three innings. Sitz (1-2) took the loss, allowing four earned runs in 2.1 innings.
The Whitecaps will host the Hot Rods on Wednesday afternoon with a 12:00 p.m. first pitch. RHP Chad Green (0-0 3.18) will start for the Whitecaps against RHP Jake Faria (0-1 1.88) of the Hot Rods.
