For second-year Whitecaps manager Tony Cappuccilli and company, the start of the regular season has not been without its twists and turns.
Because, let’s be honest. When is an opening week without a few adventures?
Facing the Cincinnati Reds’ High-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons, in a three-game homestand, the Whitecaps not only had a chance to break in the newly renovated LMCU Ballpark, they were also able to introduce what is shaping up to be one of the most feared lineups in the Midwest League this season.
With the return of outfielder Max Clark, infielder Kevin McGonigle, infielder Izaac Pacheco, and the addition of the newest offensive force, Josue Briceno, West Michigan wasted no time in putting that offensive potential on full display against the Dragons.
“There’s an interesting storyline with West Michigan this year,” an American League scout said. “It’s going to come down to how the potential is managed, but there’s a lot of possibility with that lineup this season, no question.”
Facing Reds’ top prospect Chase Burns in Game One, Burns delivered as advertised, fanning six over four scoreless frames for the Dragons.
Following Burns’ exit, Dayton lefthander Nick Sando couldn’t keep the door closed against the West Michigan lineup, surrendering five earned runs off two hits, and the Whitecaps continued to press. Led by a pair of doubles and four RBI from Kevin McGonigle, the Whitecaps powered their way to a 7-0 shutout against the Dragons to begin the series.
Game Two leveled the playing field with an 11-inning campaign between the two clubs. West Michigan starter Max Alba posted a trio of perfect frames with five strikeouts to set up for the debut of 27-year-old viral knuckleballer Kenny Serwa, who signed a contract with the Tigers in January.
Serwa proved to be as deceptive as West Michigan was hoping for, working four perfect frames with four strikeouts.
At the bottom of the 11th, infielder John Peck rose to the occasion with a two-run single, giving West Michigan their first extra-inning win of the season.
And because we all love extra innings, why not do it again in Game Three?
Behind four innings of work from West Michigan lefthander Andrew Sears, West Michigan found themselves trailing 6-3 going into the eighth inning, and it was an opposite-field three-run drive from Max Clark that lifted the Whitecaps into position for an extra-inning opportunity.
3-RUN OPPO 🌮. MAX CLARK. pic.twitter.com/3So9XkNHNy
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) April 6, 2025
And in true extra-inning fashion, a wild pitch and sharp base running from Whitecaps’ Andrew Jenkins lifted West Michigan to a 7-6 victory and a series sweep against the Dayton Dragons.
Up Next: West Michigan travels to Lake County for a six-game road series before returning home to face the South Bend Cubs in a six-game homestand beginning April 15.
Pitcher of the Week: Kenny Serwa
If it’s not Serwa’s deceptive style that grabs you, his social media success story most certainly will. A product of the team at Tread Athletics, it was Serwa’s expert use of social media that first propelled him to become a topic of conversation on the professional baseball front.
Featuring a knuckleball that sits 80-82 MPH, the 6’3, 27-year-old mixes a variety of offspeed pitches throughout, proving to be incredibly challenging to size up for opposing hitters.
Three ugly offerings from #Tigers knuckleballer Kenny Serwa. pic.twitter.com/NiG9YicGog
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) April 5, 2025
Player of the Week: Max Clark
One thing you learn very quickly about Max Clark is that he trusts the process. A self-professed hitting nerd, Clark has steadily progressed into his early season form while balancing the unpredictable midwest weather. In addition to Clark’s game-changing three-run home run, we’re seeing hard contact and a mental plan being pieced together to build off of his success from last season.
RBI single for #Tigers Max Clark. pic.twitter.com/O3HumU8UNZ
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) April 6, 2025
Sleeper of the Week: Izaac Pacheco
Something that can’t be overstated is the importance of giving high school draft picks time to develop at the professional level. Izaac Pacheco is no exception. One of the very intriguing power profiles within the Tigers’ system, the 2021 2nd-round pick has left no doubt regarding his ability to generate hard contact. However, learning to maximize the ability of a 6’3, solid frame while that frame is still developing can take time. Pacheco spent last off-season intentionally adjusting his diet and is already looking more comfortable over his first three games to start the year. The potential is big, but the development will take time.
104 MPH off the bat for #Tigers Izaac Pacheco to notch his first base hit today.
— Emily Waldon (@EmilyCWaldon) April 6, 2025
Pacheco looks noticeably more comfortable this season. As I mentioned, he went through a major diet change over the offseason. He’s toned a lot and is moving really well. pic.twitter.com/W793eynIjH
Week One Notes:
Following a strong outing in the West Michigan opener, Kevin McGonigle was held from the lineup in games two and three. Late Sunday night Jon Morosi tweeted the news:
Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle, one of the top hitters in the minor leagues, is expected to miss time with an ankle injury.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 7, 2025
The extent of the injury has yet to be determined.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events for McGonigle, who also suffered two injuries last year.
Rogelio Castillo 
Jerry McKennan