Caps Doomed By Early Deficit And Errors

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - An early deficit and a season-worst six errors led the Fort Wayne TinCaps to a 7-4 defeat against the Bowling Green Hot Rods Monday night at Parkview Field. Fort Wayne trailed 5-0 before coming to the plate, and could not rally against the Midwest League’s most potent offensive club.

Fort Wayne (25-18, 56-57) starter Erik Cabrera (0-1), making his United States debut, surrendered five runs in the first inning. The third batter of the game, Drew Vettleson, hit a two-run home run and both Jeff Malm and Josh Sale followed with run-producing hits. Cabrera, 21, had only pitched in the Dominican Summer League prior to Monday’s start.

The TinCaps nipped Bowling Green (27-16, 65-48) for one run in the bottom of the first on a Mike Gallic RBI groundout, making it 5-1. The Hot Rods and TinCaps each scored single runs in the second, making the score 6-2 in favor of Bowling Green at the end of two innings.

Cabrera lasted four innings, allowing seven runs, although only four were earned. He surrendered eight hits, walked one and struck out three. During his time on the hill, the TinCaps committed five errors. The sixth and final error came in the ninth inning.

Chris Fetter entered in relief for the TinCaps, making his first appearance out of the bullpen since August 31, 2009. The righthander tossed three and two-thirds scoreless innings, working his longest outing since June 3, 2011.

Jake Floethe (10-3) became Bowling Green’s second pitcher to hit the 10-win plateau this season. The Martinez, California, native allowed two runs, one earned, over six innings. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Hot Rods reliever Jake Partridge allowed two runs in the seventh, hitting Kyle Gaedele with the bases loaded and walking BJ Guinn with the bases loaded, cutting the score to 7-4. Andrew Bellatti hurled the final two and two-thirds innings, picking up his fifth save of the year.

The series finale is scheduled for Tuesday night at 7:05. Frank Garces is scheduled to start for the TinCaps, with Roberto Gomez set to take the hill for the Hot Rods.