TinCaps are back in the running

EASTLAKE, Ohio — Thanks to a pair of newcomers, the TinCaps are back in playoff contention.

Owen Miller broke a 5-5 tie in the fourth inning, Olivier Basabe added insurance runs two innings later and the Fort Wayne TinCaps hung on to beat the Lake County Captains (Cleveland Indians) 9-8 on Wednesday at Classic Park.

The win thrust the TinCaps (20-24, 52-61)?into the lead for the Midwest League Eastern Division’s second-half wild card with 25 games to play. They have a half-game lead over both the Dayton Dragons (20-25, 51-62) and South Bend Cubs (20-25, 54-60).

Miller, San Diego’s third-round pick in June’s draft who was promoted from short-season Tri-City earlier in the day, hit a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to break the tie.

Following a Kelvin Melean solo shot in the seventh inning, Basabe, who was also called up from Tri-City, hit an RBI triple with two outs to make it 9-5 TinCaps. The Captains (18-26, 47-67)?scored three runs — one earned — in the bottom of the ninth and had the potential game-tying tally in scoring position but left him stranded.

Jeisson Rosario, Gabriel Arias and Basabe led the way for Fort Wayne with two hits apiece. Jack Suwinski pushed his hitting streak to eight games while walking a career-high four times.

The TinCaps also set a season-high by drawing a dozen walks, while their pitching staff didn’t allow a single free pass to the Captains.

Midwest League Eastern?Division Standings

(second half)

W L PCT GB

*Bowling Green Hot Rods (TB) 27 18 .600 —

*Lansing Lugnuts (TOR) 25 20 .556 2.0

West Michigan Whitecaps (DET) 22 22 .500 4.5

Fort Wayne TinCaps (SD) 20 24 .455 6.5

Dayton Dragons (CIN) 20 25 .444 7.0

South Bend Cubs (CHC) 20 25 .444 7.0

Lake County Captains (CLE) 18 26 .408 8.5

Great Lakes Loons (LAD) 18 27 .400 9.0

*Clinched first-half playoff spot