MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -COMSTOCK PARK, MI- Joe Bowen’s infield single in the seventh inning gave the West Michigan Whitecaps the lead and eventually the game, 11-7, over the Peoria Chiefs at Fifth Third Ballpark on Thursday night. Bowen and the Whitecaps’ offense totaled 11 runs and 17 hits to back the solid relief pitching of Anthony Shawler as the ‘Caps evened the series at one game apiece.

Two of the Midwest League’s best hitting teams flexed their muscle in game two of the series. West Michigan got two solo homeruns in the first inning from Ben Guez and Billy Nowlin, respectively.

Peoria responded with three runs in the top of the second to take a 3-2 lead.

The Whitecaps scored three runs in their at-bat in the second as well. Alden Carrithers walked, Joe Bowen singled, and Luis Salas crushed a two-run triple to center to give the ‘Caps the lead. Hernan Perez then singled home Salas, and the Whitecaps were ahead, 5-3.

The Chiefs would rally in the third for three more runs. Back-to-back homeruns by Rebel Ridling and Kyler Burke tied the game. Catcher Michael Brenly would come home for a 6-5 Peoria lead on the front end of a double steal.

Joe Bowen’s RBI ground out helped the Whitecaps gather their sixth run and tie the game again.

The Chiefs went ahead, 7-6, in the top of the fourth, but the inning contained one of the key plays of the game. Having scored the go-ahead run, the Chiefs loaded the bases with no outs. ‘Caps pitcher Nick Cassavechia induced a double play from Kyler Burke that shut the inning down. Peoria was never the same the remainder of the game.

Bryan Pounds tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with a big, two-out RBI hit.

In the seventh, West Michigan plated three runs with two outs. Bowen’s infield hit put the ‘Caps ahead, 8-7, and Hernan Perez ripped a two-run single to left.

Anthony Shawler (5-3) worked 4 innings for the win. He gave up 2 hits with no walks and 4 strikeouts.

Marcus Hatley (lasted two innings for Peoria. He surrendered 7 hits and 5 runs. Chris Siegfried (0-2) took the loss.

Eight Whitecaps had at least one hit; Ben Guez and Billy Nowlin each had three. Bowen had 3 RBI.

The deciding game of the series is Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Fifth Third Ballpark.

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