DAYTON, OH – Ronnie Bourquin’s two-run double in the ninth inning helped seal a 7-4 victory for the West Michigan Whitecaps (22-10) over the Dayton Dragons (9-24) Thursday night at Fifth Third Field. Bourquin totaled four hits, including two doubles, and the ‘Caps rebounded from their worst offensive night of the year to grab two of the first three games of the series. With a Fort Wayne loss to Great Lakes, the Whitecaps now lead the Eastern division by a game and a half.

While Bourqin’s offense led the way for West Michigan, the game was won by great defensive play and opportunistic offense. The Whitecaps turned two critical double plays behind starter Luke Putkonen, and a diving catch in left by Brent Wyatt saved multiple runs.

Putkonen threw 5 innings to collect his second win of the year. He gave up 6 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk with no strikeouts. He survived a bases-loaded jam in the first with a ground ball double play to Brandon Douglas. Douglas duplicated the feat in the fourth inning to help limit the Dragons to just 1 run scored. The great Whitecaps’ defense followed relievers Anthony Shawler, Jared Gayhart, and Tyler Stohr (S,6). Nursing the one-run lead the in the eighth, Jose Gualdron drove a ball to the base of the left field wall to Brent Wyatt.
ADVERTISEMENT

Dayton starter Josh Ravin was his own worst enemy. Ravin surrendered six walks, two with the bases loaded, and a wild pitch that scored a run for his fourth loss of the season.

Ronnie Bourqinn finished the night 4-5; Gustavo Nunez went 3-4 including a double.

Leading 5-4 in the ninth, Ben Guez led off with a double off the wall. After a roll-out, Bryan Pounds got an infield hit, and that set the stage for Bourquin’s slicing double into the left field corner to score Guez and Pounds.

The series concludes Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. The Whitecaps send left hander Mauricio Robles (2-1, 2.56 ERA) to the mound. Dayton will counter with right hander Curtis Partch (1-2, 6.35 ERA).

If you like the daily news of the Raw Feed, SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the nation's only alternative professional sports magazine, SZ, with original features and great action photography in baseball, hockey, basketball, and football. Just $11.99 per year for an e-zine like you’ve never seen!