Week 2 West Michigan Whitecaps Recap: Midwest Spring 

Mix the first six-game series of the regular season with some good, old-fashioned Midwest spring weather, and it’s bound to be a little unpredictable. The 22-mile-per-hour wind gusts and 25-degree windchills in Eastlake, Ohio, wasted no time driving that point home.

In game one, one player quoted the weather as “truly miserable,” but as we all learned in Little League, the weather hits both teams.

Leading the West Michigan offense, outfielder Seth Stephenson booked his biggest game of the year, finishing 3-for-5 with a pair of stolen bases, but an unfortunate showing from West Michigan starter Carlos Marcano and reliever Jordan Marks gave Lake County the advantage they were looking for, finishing the very chilly evening with a 6-4 win over the visiting Whitecaps.

Moving to game two, the West Michigan offense came back to Classic Auto Group Park with a score to settle, and settle it they did. Led by multi-hit games from Max Clark, Peyton Graham, and Brett Callahan, the Whitecaps routed the Captains’ pitching staff for 13 runs behind a strong scoreless four-inning debut from West Michigan starter Rayner Castillo. The Whitecaps successfully tied up the series with a 13-1 victory.

In game three, the West Michigan offense was at it again. Tagging Lake County starter Matt Wilkinson for three runs to start the night, the Captains turned around and claimed a pair off West Michigan starter Joe Miller. 

After that, it was all Whitecaps. Josue Briceño, Brett Callahan, Archer Brookman, and Jack Penney all contributed mult-hit games, resulting in a combined 11 hits, 11 runs, and seven RBI. Another offensive showcase from West Michigan resulted in an 11-2 victory over the Captains.

Game four featured the return of West Michigan’s knuckleball aficionado Kenny Serwa, and keeping with tradition, he was once again impressive with a pair of scoreless innings. A multi-hit night for Max Clark, including his second double of the year, was matched by the same from West Michigan DH Archer Brookman.

Lake County took advantage of the West Michigan bullpen, tagging Max Alba and Marco Jimenez for a combined six runs allowed, and the Whitecaps offense wasn’t able to match step. Lake County walked away with a 7-3 victory to take game four.

It wouldn’t be a West Michigan series without at least one game of extra-innings, and the Lake County series was no different. Lake County got to West Michigan starter Andrew Sears early, posting three runs before a late-game surge gave the Whitecaps enough to carry the night into the 10th inning. An RBI-single from Lake County infielder Christian Knapczyk in the 10th gave the Captains the push to take a 5-4 win over the Whitecaps.

Game six brought a much more polished showing from game one starter Carlos Marcano. The 21-year-old booked four scoreless for the Whitecaps, allowing five hits, a walk and striking out six. Unfortunately, Lake County made quick work of reliever Joe Adametz, tagging him for six runs, and another two runs off reliever Haden Erbe. Despite seven hits from the Whitecaps, it wasn’t enough to overcome Lake County’s offensive push, forcing them to drop the finale 8-4.

Up Next: West Michigan will host the South Bend Cubs in a six-game homestand beginning Tuesday, April 15.

Pitcher of the Week: RHP Rayner Castillo

Signed as an international free agent in 2021, and much like with many young signings, prospect development is a lot of wait-and-see. The 6’3, 180-pound 20-year-old spent last fall in the Arizona Fall League and enters the 2025 season with his first High-A assignment. In his debut against Lake County, the Dominican native worked four scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out five without a walk allowed.

Player of the Week: OF Brett Callahan

One of the more unassuming members of the West Michigan roster, 2023 13th-round pick Brett Callahan made quick use of the first road series of the year to show the level of offense he’s capable of for West Michigan. The 23-year-old combined for eight hits, four runs, a triple, and four RBI. The 2025 season will be a perfect opportunity to move Callahan into consideration for a promotion sooner than he might think if he’s able to maintain this level of production.

Sleeper of the Week: OF Seth Stephenson

Posting six hits and six stolen bases over the six-game road series, Stephenson is once again proving he deserves to be where he is. Stealing a combined 130 bases over his previous two seasons, Stephenson remains arguably the fastest member of the Tigers’ organization and continues to pester opposing pitching. Stephenson has been focused on both understanding and owning his profile as a hitter and is already showing his growth early in the season.

After a lead off walk to Max Clark, Seth Stevenson drives him home with a double and West Michigan goes up 1-0. pic.twitter.com/oy6MRxSS87

— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) April 13, 2025

Week Two Notes:

West Michigan pitcher Eric Silva and infielder Izaac Pacheco were both placed on the Injured List, effective April 13. Regarding the return of infielder Kevin McGonigle, nothing definitive has been set, but in the meantime, McGonigle is continuing rehab for his right ankle sprain.