MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -SOUTH BEND, IN- Luke Putkonen threw the first complete game of the season for the West Michigan Whitecaps in a 10-0 shutout of the South Bend Silver Hawks at Coveleski Stadium on Friday night. Putkonen was masterful throughout the game, and his teammates responded with 10 runs as every Whitecaps starter had at least one hit.

Luke Putkonen had not faired well against South Bend in his previous two starts this season. Carrying an 0-1 record versus the ‘Hawks with him, Putkonen (5-4) dominated from the opening inning. He only allowed 5 hits while walking justg 1 batter and striking out five for his fifth win of the year.

The Whitecaps put together three runs in the third as a throwing error produced a run, Bryan Pounds delivered a sacrifice fly, and Billy Nowlin came through with an RBI hit.

In the fourth, the newest ‘Cap, Alden Carrithers, slapped a single to right to score Ben Guez, who had doubled, and the ‘Caps’ lead was 4-0.

West Michigan saved their biggest inning for the ninth as they sent 9 men to the plate and scored 6 runs. During that span the ‘Caps strung together four straight RBI hits.

South Bend starter Ryan Cook continues his frustrating slide. Cook takes the loss and has now lost for the seventh consecutive time.

The Whitecaps were led offensively by Billy Nowlin’s 3-5 performance and Ben Guez’s 2-5 effort. Bryan Pounds had 3 RBI and Billy Nowlin and Alden Carrithers each had 2 RBI.

West Michigan returns to Fifth Third Ballpark to begin a four-game series with the Dayton Dragons on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. The game will celebrate the fourth of July with a special fireworks display after the game, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

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