DAVENPORT, IA - Ben Guez drilled a three-run home run in the first inning, and the West Michigan Whitecaps blanked the Quad Cities River Bandits, 4-0, at Modern Woodmen Park on Wednesday night. Brandon Hamilton started for the Whitecaps and pitched one of his most impressive outings of the year.

West Michigan came out swinging to start the game. Brent Wyatt led off with a double. Brandon Douglas walked, and Ben Guez lifted a fly ball to right that cleared the wall for a 3-0 Whitecaps’ lead.

That was more than enough for starter Brandon Hamilton. In his best start in a month, Hamilton controlled the River Bandits throughout his 6 innings on the mound. Hamilton shut out Quad Cities on 3 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. The win pushes him to 4-3.

Erik Crichton and Tyler Conn combined to throw 3 scoreless innings of relief. The pair allowed 2 hits and collected 3 strikeouts.

Avisail Garcia provided some insurance with an RBI single in the fourth. His hit brought home Jordan Lennerton who had singled to start the inning.

Whitecaps’ defense was on display again. Brent Wyatt and Ben Guez each made notable catches in the outfield. Jordan Lennerton handled all of his five defensive chances flawlessly.

The ‘Caps totaled 7 hits in the game. Jordan Lennerton had 3 himself.

West Michigan and Quad Cities will hook up for game two of the series on Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. EST from Modern Woodmen Park.

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