TinCaps Can’t Complete Sweep
CLINTON, IA. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps were unable to finish off a three-game sweep of the Clinton LumberKings on Wednesday afternoon at Ashford University Field, falling 5-4.
Fort Wayne (15-12) raced out to leads of 3-0 and 4-3, but didn’t score after the second inning.
Center fielder Michael Gettys gave the TinCaps a lead two batters into the game as he doubled to right-center field to score shortstop Ruddy Giron, who led the day off with a single. After first baseman Ty France walked, catcher Austin Allen singled to plate Gettys. Third baseman Carlos Belen immediately followed with an RBI single of his own to make it 3-0.
Clinton (16-10), however, equalized with a three-run first of its own. Only one of the runs was earned.
Gettys put Fort Wayne back in front, 4-3, in the second with a single that brought in left fielder Rod Boykin, who started the frame with a base hit.
Nick Monroe (L, 1-1) replaced Austin Smith in the fourth inning and allowed a pair of runs in the fourth. J.C. Cosme kept the LumberKings off the board in the sixth, seventh, and eighth.
Meanwhile, Matt Walker (W, 1-0) came on for Art Warren in the fifth. Walker threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Four Clinton relievers teamed for five innings of one-hit, shutout ball. Vinny Nittoli (S, 2) pitched a perfect ninth.
Next Game for the ‘Caps is Thursday, May 5, at Kane County, a 7:30 p.m. first pitch.