Story by Mark Musgrave III, Sports Editor

Photos courtesy of Mark Musgrave III

It was a fun night for Aquinas Saints at LMCU Ballpark last Wednesday as the West Michigan Whitecaps won by a score of 2-1 against the South Bend Cubs. The first Residence Life event off campus did not disappoint, with 121 Saints attending the game.

This season, West Michigan is currently third in the Midwest League East with a record of 61-55 while South Bend is second in Midwest League West with a 65-51 record. The stars of tonight’s game for the Whitecaps were 2B Jace Jung, 1B Jake Holton, DH Carlos Irigoyen, and 3B Jose King combining for seven hits and two runs across eight frames. The Whitecaps scored both runs in the first inning but couldn’t capitalize off runners in scoring position. The Cubs were held scoreless until the 9th inning.

On the schedule to start tonight’s game originally was the Tiger’s  #1 Prospect SP Jackson Jobe. However, he was scratched from tonight’s game midday due to a sore back. Jobe was the Tigers’ first Round pick back in 2021 out of high school. Filling in his place was SP Carlos Guzman with a gem of a performance. With six scoreless IP, three hits allowed, and four strikeouts he earned the win tonight. Earning the save but allowing an earned run in the ninth was Andrew Magno, his tenth of the season.

As for Aquinas students, they took this time to get together and socialize in an off campus environment. Students cheered loudly and stayed engaged to support their hometown team!

The Whitecaps play this series against the Cubs until Sunday and evened the series today at 1-1. This season, minor league games are week-long series.

For the rest of the season, the Whitecaps look to make a run at the playoffs and take home their seventh league championship in team history. And rightfully so, the Whitecaps currently boast the Tigers No 1, No 2, No 6, and No 8 prospects. That being Jackson Jobe, Jace Jung, Colt Kieth, and Izaac Pacheco. The ‘Caps have talent and rank third in hitting as a team in The Midwest League but score sixth in pitching out of twelve teams. Colt Kieth has been on the injured list due to an arm injury and will not return this season.

For those of you who attend mass on or off campus, bring in your community bulletin on Tuesday home games for half off box seats! Let’s go Whitecaps!