Pankake Batters Dragons in 'Caps Win
May 25, 2015 - Midwest League (MWL1)
West Michigan Whitecaps News Release
COMSTOCK PARK, MI - The West Michigan Whitecaps ended their four-game series exactly the way they started it; with a walk-off victory thanks to Joey Pankake's run-scoring single in the 10th inning to beat the Dayton Dragons 4-3 Monday at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The win improves the Whitecaps record to 23-22, matching their best mark of the season. Dayton's record falls to 23-22, and the two teams finish the day tied for fourth place in the Midwest League Eastern division.
The Whitecaps found themselves trailing 3-1 headed into the bottom of the eighth inning when Shane Zeile hit a bouncer to Dayton shortstop Luis Gonzalez with the bases-loaded and two outs. Gonzalez, whose momentum was taking him into shallow left field, threw to third-base in an attempt to force out runner Mike Gerber. The throw glanced off third baseman Gavin LaValley's glove allowing two runs to score and tie the ballgame. In the 10th, Gerber doubled into the right field corner and scored when Pankake ripped a ground ball past a diving Gonzalez into left field, where he was mobbed by his teammates celebrating the victory.
Joe Jimenez (2-1) retired the side in the 10th to earn his second win. Dragons closer Brian Hunter (3-2) suffered his second loss allowing the game-winning run over 1.2 innings. Whitecaps starter Spencer Turnbull allowed just three runs despite allowing nine hits and walking five. Reliever Gabe Speier tossed three innings of one-hit baseball in relief. Gerber led West Michigan's offense with four hits in the victory.
RALLY CAPS
Monday's win marks the third time the Whitecaps have rallied in the eighth inning or later for a comeback victory this season. All three have come against the Dragons.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps hit the road for a seven games beginning with a three-game series against the Lake County Captains beginning Tuesday at 6:30pm. Pitcher AJ Ladwig starts for the Whitecaps against Lake County's Jordan Milbrath. Radio coverage with Dan Hasty begins at 6:20p.m. on the Whitecaps Baseball Network. Don't forget that season, group and individual tickets can be reserved for any 2015 home game by calling the Whitecaps' front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting www.whitecapsbaseball.com.
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