Fort Wayne TinCaps (31-17, 63-53) vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels (27-21, 68-50)

LHP Thomas Dorminy (9-7, 3.35) vs. RHP Randy LeBlanc (8-4, 2.30)

Sunday, August 16, 2015 — Parkview Field — First Pitch 1:05 p.m. — Game 117

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The TinCaps topped the Kernels, 3-1. Trae Santos put Fort Wayne on the board with a 2-run homer in the second. Later in the inning, Michael Gettys made it 3-0 with an RBI single. Chris Huffman threw 6 scoreless on the mound, while Aaron Cressley (1.0 IP) and Colby Blueberg (2.0 IP) hammered it down.

ON A ROLL: The TinCaps have won a season-high-tying 7 straight games and 15 of their last 17. Over the 17-game span, Fort Wayne has outscored opponents 78-39 (or by an average of 4.6-2.3). In the last 7, the TinCaps have outscored opponents 32-14 (4.6-2.0).

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE: The TinCaps have won 12 games in a row at Parkview Field going back to July 17. Fort Wayne’s 39 home wins lead the Midwest League. The franchise record for consecutive home wins is 15 (June 6-July 15, 2009).

BULLPEN BRILLIANCE: Fort Wayne’s pen threw 3 scoreless innings Friday. Over the last 17 games (15-2), the bullpen has allowed 4 earned runs in 53 2/3 innings. That equates to a 0.67 ERA. The bullpen’s season ERA is now 2.90. Keep in mind, when the club was 12-25 entering May 21, the bullpen had an ERA of 4.65. (So over the last 79 games, it’s been 1.92.)

STANDING ROOM ONLY: Saturday’s crowd of 8,195 was the 19th sellout of the season at Parkview Field, and the 8th time more than 8K came Downtown for a game. Through the first 6 years of the ballpark, there had never been more 7 crowds of 8,000-plus. Through the first 57 openings of the season at Parkview Field, the TinCaps have averaged 5,902 fans per game. In 2014, the club drew a record 5,810 fans per game.

NEVER OUT OF IT: The TinCaps have come from behind to win in 10 of their 15 wins since July 28.

NEXT: Monday is the final off day before 21 games to end the year.

MWL EASTERN DIVISION SECOND HALF PLAYOFF PICTURE

Place Team W-L GB GB WC Streak

1. FORT WAYNE 31-17 — — W7

2. West Michigan 28-19 2.5 — W4

3. Lansing* 24-24 7.0 4.5 L4

4. South Bend 24-24 7.0 4.5 L1

5. Bowling Green 24-24 7.0 4.5 W1

6. Lake County 23-24 7.5 5.0 W2

7. Dayton 22-26 9.0 6.5 W3

8. Great Lakes** 21-27 10.0 7.5 W2

* First Half Division Winner ** First Half Wild Card Winner