Pena Helps TinCaps Break Loose
EASTLAKE, Ohio – The TinCaps won their second consecutive game on the road using a similar formula on Friday night. Fort Wayne vanquished the Lake County Captains, 3-2, at Classic Park, as right fielder Jhonatan Peña provided what proved to be a game-winning extra-base hit.
On Thursday in Lansing, Peña hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning in a 5-3 victory. On Friday, Peña broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the sixth with a two-run double to the left-field corner. The 22-year-old from the Dominican scored catcher Austin Allen, who had singled, and third baseman Nick Vilter, who drew a walk against Captains starter Tom Pannone (L, 3-4). Right-handed reliever Dominic DeMasi replaced Pannone to face Peña.
Fort Wayne (25-23) initially led 1-0 after Allen singled in shortstop Kodie Tidwell in the top of the first inning. Allen finished 3-for-4 – his second three-hit game in a row – while Tidwell extended his hitting streak to seven games, going 2-for-5, including a double to begin the game.
Lake County (27-21) tied the game in the bottom of the third inning, but that was all the league’s second best offense could get against J.C. Cosme (W, 4-2). The righty who turned 20 on Tuesday went five innings and struck out five.
Jerry Keel came on for Cosme in the sixth and tossed three scoreless frames. Trey Wingenter (S, 4) allowed back-to-back doubles to begin the bottom of the ninth but recovered with three consecutive outs for the save.
Peña had only 3 RBIs through his first 27 games this season. He now has seven over the last three days as he’s had two hits in three straight games.
Next Game for the TinCaps is Saturday, May 28 at Lake County, a 6:30 p.m. first pitch.