By Larry Arreguin |LPL News Wire| April 17, 2026

LANSING, MI (4-17-26) — The West Michigan Whitecaps continued their surge Friday night, sweeping a doubleheader from the Lansing Lugnuts at Jackson Field by scores of 6-4 and 4-1, extending their winning streak to five games.

West Michigan improved to 8-5 on the season and remained near the top of the Midwest League East standings, while Lansing dropped to 5-7.

In the opener, the Whitecaps used a five-run fifth inning to seize control. Pennington led the attack by going 3-for-4 with a three-run home run, his third of the season, and three RBIs. Hurtado scored three times and reached base four times, while Sojka added three RBIs.

Starter Elissalt was dominant through four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four. Weins picked up the win in relief. Lansing rallied late with four runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but the Whitecaps bullpen shut the door.

Game two saw West Michigan strike immediately. Pennington stayed hot, launching another three-run homer in the first inning, his fourth of the year, giving the Whitecaps all the offense they would need.

The Whitecaps managed only four hits in the nightcap, but timely execution and strong pitching carried them to victory. Hernandez and Dobbins each added hits, while Lee set the tone with three scoreless innings to start. Sloan earned the win in relief, Harvey bridged the middle innings, and Chavez worked the final two frames for the save.

Lansing collected 11 hits in the second game but stranded nine runners and went just 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Over the two games, West Michigan outscored Lansing 10-5 and showed balance with power hitting, bullpen depth, and timely defense.

The Whitecaps now carry a five-game winning streak into the remainder of the series as they continue their road trip in Lansing.

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