FORT WAYNE — After dropping the first three games of their series, the TinCaps beat the Peoria Chiefs 6-3 behind a solid start by Henry Baez and a three RBI night for Kai Murphy.
Henry Baez helped the TinCaps stop the Peoria Chiefs winning streak. (Photo: Jeff Nycz)
“We are as good as our starting pitching is each and every game,” said Fort Wayne manager Mike Daly. “Henry came out there with a lot of intent from the beginning, and it was a solid outing by him. He came out there with a lot of intent and was able to mix his pitches very well.”
Baez’s fastball was up to 97 in the early going and he was in and around the strike zone more than he has been in many of his outings this season. He walked a pair, but struck out six and landed 52 of 86 pitches for strikes.
With the game tied at one in the bottom of the fourth, Murphy, connected on an RBI single to give Fort Wayne the lead. He then scored from first base on a Jay Beshears two-run RBI double down the right-field line to put the home team up 4-1.
“Kai has the respect of everyone in the clubhouse with how he goes about it daily,” said Daly. “He’s consistent – he sees the game well, anticipates, and connects with guys. He also has some energy on the field.”
Kai Murphy had three RBI on Friday. (Photo: Jeff Nycz)
In the eighth inning, Murphy capped off the scoring with a two-run home run to right field to put Fort Wayne up 6-3.
“I was just fired up to be able to deliver in that spot,” said a smiling Murphy. “I talked to [Anthony] Vilar, who told me that the pitcher’s fastball had a little ride. I felt they would try to go inside on me, and I got off a good swing.
“Then again,” he laughed, “with two strikes, I’m just trying to get any swing on the ball.”
David Morgan closed the game in style with a few 98 mph fastballs, throwing 16 pitches to strike out the side and pick up his second save in a week. He’s struck out 11 over his last 4.1 innings.
“He continues to take steps and was a huge force on Sunday, getting the last five outs of the game with four punch outs in a one-run game,” said Daly. “He continues to earn the opportunity to pitch at the tail end of the game.”
This is Daly’s first year managing professionally, and he is learning how to ride the highs and lows of the 140-game Midwest League season, where the early part of the day is about development, followed by games at night.
“I’ve been lucky to have been with some really good managers in my career,” said Daly. “I am the oldest guy in the clubhouse with the most grey hair, and it’s about understanding that it’s about today.
“We try to focus on how good we can be. You reflect and learn from yesterday, but in the end, it’s about trying to improve every day. It’s a cliche, but you must do your best to build and keep pushing forward.”
Notes: After a miserable May where he hit .178, Tyler Robertson pushed his slash line in June to .412/.524/.647 with a pair of hits and an RBI. … Cole Paplham looked like he’s starting to return to form with two scoreless innings. His slider drew several ugly swings. … Dylan Lesko will take the mound Saturday for the TinCaps.
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