TinCaps masked by Wisconsin in the series opener

APPLETON, Wisc. –The Fort Wayne TinCaps had won three straight road games but fell to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (a subsidiary of the Milwaukee Brewers), 9-0, Tuesday night at Fox Cities Stadium in their series opener.

TinCaps Collector (11-11) Brandon Valenzuelawho MLB.com ranks as the San Diego Padres’ No. 19 prospect, had a two-hit performance, as well as a shortstop Jarryd Dale. Right fielder Joshua Mears also single, as is left fielder Corey Rosier, who extended his on-base streak to 17 games — the third-longest active streak in the Midwest League. Dale and Rosier also stole a base each.

However, the Timber Rattlers (13-9) took a 2-0 lead in the first and pulled away with six runs in the fifth and shortstop. Antonio Pinero added a solo home run in the sixth as an exclamation point.

Fort Wayne went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position and left six on base, while Wisconsin went 5 for 10 in those situations. The T-Rats were also in gear, making seven of their runs with two outs.

‘Caps relieving Nick Thwaitsa graduate of Fort Recovery High School (Ohio), pitched a scoreless relief inning in the eighth.

On a night with a temperature in the 40s, the game lasted 2 hours and 4 minutes.

Next game: Wednesday, May 4 @ Wisconsin (7:40 p.m.)

• Likely Fort Wayne Starter: LHP Jackson Wolf
• Likely Wisconsin starter: LHP Brandon Knarr