Please note: If you are not logged in to Twitter on this device already, the story will not be shared. You may click the "Login" link to login to Twitter.
Posted: 9:14 PM Apr 9, 2012 Reporter: Hank Fuerst, Hot Rods Media Relations
Comstock Park, MI - Jeff Malm and Jake Hager both doubled on a quiet night for the Hot Rods offense as the team fell to the West Michigan Whitecaps 4-0 on Monday evening. In the home opener for the Whitecaps at Fifth Third Ballpark, the Hot Rods could not overcome a two-run Whitecap first inning. In the first game of a three-game series and seven-game road trip, the Hot Rods offense managed just five hits on a brisk evening just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Jeff Malm's double, followed a single by Cameron Seitzer, came in the top of the fourth and set up the Hot Rods best scoring threat of the night. Matt Rice came to the plate and grounded sharply to first as Aaron Westlake robbed him of two runs batted, diving on the ball that was destined for right field. Other than the threat in the fourth, Bowling Green did not have a runner reach third base.
The middle of the Whitecaps offense was the only part of the lineup that agitated Hot Rods starting pitcher Ryan Carpenter. The lefty allowed eight of his nine hits to West Michigan's three through six hitters, including a solo homerun to Dean Green. Carpenter finished the night with a career high six innings pitched but also allowed a career high nine hits and four runs.
The Hot Rods return to Bowling Green Ballpark on Monday, April 16 when they open a three-game series with the Great Lakes Loons. That three-game series kicks off a nine-game homestand at Bowling Green Ballpark. For ticket information for all Hot Rods home games, call 270-901-2121 or visit BGHotRods.com.
The Hot Rods continue the season's first road swing when they take on the West Michigan Whitecaps (Future Tigers) in the middle game of a three-game set on Tuesday at 6:35 PM EDT. The Hot Rods will give the start to RHP Roberto Gomez (0-0, 0.00), while the Whitecaps will counter with RHP Wilsen Palacios (0-0, 0.00).