By Larry Arreguin |LPL News Wire| April 9, 2026

COMSTOCK PARK, MI (4/9/26) — The West Michigan Whitecaps dropped a 5–2 decision to the Great Lakes Loons on Thursday evening at LMCU Ballpark, as early offense by the visitors proved too much to overcome.

Great Lakes struck quickly in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from second baseman Wagner that set the tone. The Loons would go on to score all five of their runs within the first four innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and strong situational execution, finishing 3-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

Right-hander Hayden Minton (#27) took the loss for West Michigan, allowing five runs on four hits over 3.1 innings of work. Despite the early struggles, the Whitecaps bullpen settled in, as Jalen Evans (#32), Ryan Harvey (#19), and Luke Stofel (#40) combined for 5.2 scoreless innings to keep the game within reach.

Offensively, the Whitecaps managed just two hits on the night. First baseman Clayton Campbell (#25) provided a spark with a double, while shortstop Samuel Gil (#1) added the only other hit. West Michigan plated both of its runs in the fifth inning, with RBI contributions from Woody Hadeen (#6) and catcher Ricardo Hurtado (#24), but were unable to generate further momentum.

The Loons’ pitching staff was dominant, striking out 14 Whitecaps hitters. Starter Sterling Patick (#9) worked 4.2 innings, allowing two runs, before turning things over to a bullpen that shut the door. Nicolas Cruz (#8) earned the win in relief, while Reynaldo Yean (#15) secured the save.

West Michigan struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving eight runners on base and going 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

With the loss, the Whitecaps move to 3–3 on the season, while the Loons improve to 4–2 and remain atop the Midwest League East standings. 2026 season, bringing fans closer to the action across West Michigan and beyond.