West Michigan Whitecaps Seal Fate with Two Walks in Ninth in 2-1 Loss to Kane County Cougars

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – COMSTOCK PARK – Kane County took advantage of back-to-back walks to start the ninth and scored twice for a come-from behind, 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps. Noah Krol blew a save for the first time this season and took the loss.

Kyle Peter scored the only run of the game for West Michigan in the third inning. Peter led off the frame with a double, moved to second on a ground out by Roger Tomas, then scored on a double steal after Justin Henry walked to reach first base.

Kane County had a runner in scoring position in every inning, but did not tally a run until the top of the ninth. With two on and no outs in the ninth, Walter Correa laid down a sacrifice bunt for the Cougars. Tomas charged from third and his throw to first hit Correa in the back, which allowed pinch runner Michael Lissman to score from second and tie the game, 1-1.

Adam Klein then hit a ball back to Krol, who shoveled to catcher Joe Bowen, who was run over at home by Christian Vitters. Bowen held onto the ball for the first out of the inning, but Correa advanced to third.

With Keough at the plate, the Cougars attempted a squeeze play, but Keough missed the bunt and Correa was caught in a rundown for the second out of the inning. However, Klein moved to second on the play, which set the stage for a go-ahead single by Keough.

Kane County’s Justin Friend walked Audy Ciriaco and Bowen to start the bottom of the ninth, but then retired the next three hitters in a row to earn his second save of the season.

Scott Deal pitched two shutout innings of relief to earn the victory for the Cougars.

When Kane County scored in the ninth, it ended a streak of 20.1 consecutive innings pitched by the Whitecaps without a run allowed. Manny Miguelez pitched 5.2 innings as the starter for West Michigan

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