The West Michigan Whitecaps clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season on Wednesday, beating the Fort Wayne TinCaps 1-0 at Fifth Third Ballpark. While the Whitecaps were in the driver's seat to reach the postseason, they received a bit of help from the Bowling Green Hot Rods, who beat third-place Lake County to officially clinch the Whitecaps' playoff fate.
The 'Caps have gotten things done with a balanced approach this season, ranking in the middle of the pack both offensively and defensively in the Midwest League. They were just 33-36 in the first half, but were boosted by several midseason additions -- including 2015 draft picks Christin Stewart and Kade Scivicque -- to go 39-26 in the second half.