[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t might have taken 11 innings, but by defeating the South Bend Silver Hawks by a final score of 4-2 on Friday night, the West Michigan Whitecaps were able to finally clinch a spot in the Midwest League playoffs for the first time since 2010.
It’s also the first time since 2009 that the Whitecaps (40-28) have won 40 or more games in the first half of the season. With just two games remaining in the first half of the first half of the season, the Whitecaps can clinch first place if they can win one of their next two games against South Bend (39-28).
All-Star outfielder Wynton Bernard led the way for the Whitecaps’ offense, going 2-4 with an RBI triple in the sixth inning and started the game-winning rally in the 11th inning with a leadoff single.
Bernard took off for second on the very next pitch, stealing his 24th stolen base of the season. The throw from the catcher went into centerfield, allowing Bernard to easily advance to third.
A double off the bat of Willy Adames scored Bernard, giving the ‘Caps a 3-2 lead. A two-out single by Austin Schotts would score Adames and give them a 4-2 lead going to the bottom of the 11th inning.
Reliever Joe Mantiply (5-1) pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game, earning the win for the ‘Caps.
The Whitecaps’ bullpen proved to be the difference in the game, pitching a combined 5.1 innings without allowing a run. Matt Davenport and Julio Felix did an excellent job in relief for starter Austin Kubitza, who also turned in another solid start for the ‘Caps.
Felix had an impressive outing, retiring seven consecutive batters while striking out five.
South Bend’s top three relievers – Will Locante, Daniel Gibson and Silvino Bracho – were equally impressive, allowing only one unearned run in 3.2 innings.
Despite not allowing a run in the 10th inning, South Bend’s Bud Jeter (1-1) was unable to keep the ‘Caps off the board in the 11th, taking the loss for the Silver Hawks.
Kubitza got a no decision for the Whitecaps, allowing two runs on four hits in 5.2 innings. Even more impressive was the fact he only allowed one baseball to leave the infield, as he recorded 12 of his 17 outs on groundballs.
West Michigan will look to clinch first place on Saturday when they continue their series against South Bend at Four Winds Field at 7:05 p.m. RHP Jon Maciel (3-2, 3.36) is scheduled to pitch for the Whitecaps against LHP Hector Hernandez (3-2, 3.94) of South Bend.
