Whitecaps Tie Opening Exhibition

Today is the official Opening Day for Minor League Baseball, but some MiLB teams such as the West Michigan Whitecaps jump-start the season with an exhibition game. Last night the Whitecaps took the field for the first time as a team to take on the local Grand Valley State Lakers. GVSU is ranked #4 nationally in NCAA Division II play, and have already played 22 games this season. Nick Castellanos scored the only run for West Michigan on a sacrifice by P.J. Polk. The game ended as a 1-1 tie as new manager Ernie Young and Whitecaps fans got a first look at this young team.

Young told the Grand Rapids Press: " It was good for the guys to get their feet wet, and almost everybody got to into the game, so that was good. It doesn't matter who the team is, you still have to play. It doesn't matter if it's a major league team playing against a single A or double A team. You still have to hit the ball, catch the ball and make plays." He also stated, "I was excited to get north, and I'm really excited for the season to get under way. I'm sure the kids are going to be excited to get on that bus and head for Lansing to play."

The Whitecaps play three in Lansing before hosting the Lugnuts in their home opener on Sunday. I'm really hoping the rain holds off and we can get this game in. The kids are pumped and we're ready to watch live baseball.  

Photos courtesy of the Grand Rapids Press

• Posted on April 7, 2011