COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — The West Michigan Whitecaps inched closer in the playoff race thanks to a strong showing from their bullpen and an offensive explosion to carry them to a 9-1 win in front of 8,547 fans Sunday afternoon in the 2026 regular season home finale at LMCU Ballpark.
West Michigan Whitecaps starting pitcher Zack Lee combined with relievers Jalen Evans, Donye Evans, Ethan Sloan, and Luke Hoskins to hold Peoria to just four hits and 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile, Whitecaps third baseman Cristian Santana and outfielder Stephen Hrustich combined for six RBIs, including a three-run homer from Santana in the victory. With the win, the Whitecaps now sit 2.5 games back of the Great Lakes Loons for first place in the Midwest League East Division with six games remaining.
West Michigan grabbed the lead in the fourth inning as Hrustich added a two-run single, giving the ‘Caps a 2-0 lead. Peoria finally broke through in the top of the sixth inning as catcher Sammy Hernandez collected a solo home run, cutting the lead to 2-1. It was short-lived, as the ‘Caps rallied for four runs in the bottom half, highlighted by a two-run single from outfielder Andrew Sojka, stretching their lead to 6-1. West Michigan then added three more runs in the bottom of the seventh as Santana blasted his second three-run homer in as many games over the left-field wall, making it 9-1. Peoria was stifled over the last two innings as Hoskins tossed two shutout frames with two strikeouts to put the finishing touches on the 9-1 victory.
The Whitecaps improve to 33-27 in the second half and 57-67 overall, while the Chiefs fall to 28-31 in the second half and 60-65 overall. ‘Caps reliever Donye Evans (1-0) secures his first win with the Whitecaps, tossing two shutout innings. Meanwhile, Peoria starting pitcher Jack Martinez (1-3) suffers his third loss, giving up four runs through 5.2 innings pitched.
UP NEXT
The Whitecaps play their final series of the 2026 regular season, opening a six-game series against the Dayton Dragons beginning Tuesday night from Day Air Ballpark at 7:05pm. Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:50 pm on ‘The Ticket West Michigan’ and 1340 WJRW-AM in Grand Rapids, and online at WhitecapsBaseball.com.