COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – The TinCaps clinched the Eastern Division second half title on Friday night as they beat the West Michigan Whitecaps, 4-1, at Fifth Third Ballpark. It’s Fort Wayne’s fifth ever division title and first since 2009.

The TinCaps now know they’ll host the Whitecaps in the Eastern Division Semifinals next week. Game 1 of the best-of-three series is set for Wednesday, Sept. 9 at West Michigan. Game 2 on Thursday, Sept. 10 will be at Parkview Field, as will Game 3 on Friday, Sept. 11 if necessary.

Fort Wayne (43-24, 75-60) took a 1-0 lead Friday in the top of the third inning on a Luis Urias RBI single against Fernando Perez (L, 2-12). The TinCaps extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth when Luis Tejada added a run-scoring single.

West Michigan (40-27, 73-63) cut its deficit in half with a fifth-inning run, but Fort Wayne answered back with a run in the seventh — driven in by a bases-loaded Franmil Reyes walk. The TinCaps added insurance in the ninth as Jose Ruiz scored on a wild pitch.

Ernesto Montas (W, 12-7) worked seven strong innings, allowing only one run on five hits and no walks. The right-hander struck out three. He lowered his ERA to 3.50 in economical fashion, tossing just 68 pitches — 45 for strikes.

Kyle McGrath came out of the bullpen for a scoreless eighth, while Colby Blueberg (S, 21) pitched a perfect ninth.

After a 3-3 road trip in Michigan, the TinCaps wrap up the regular season at Parkview Field with a three-game series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Saturday night’s game is set for 7:05. Fort Wayne is in line to start right-hander Chris Huffman (9-6, 3.42) against righty Hyrum Formo (5-5, 4.35). The game can be seen on Comcast Network 81, and heard on ESPN Radio 1380, TinCaps.com, and the TuneIn Radio app.

PLAYOFF INFORMATION

Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Midwest League Playoffs at Parkview Field. With their 4-1 win at West Michigan on Friday night, the TinCaps clinched the Eastern Division second half title, the franchise’s first division title since 2009.

The TinCaps now are set to host the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers) in a best-of-three series.

Game 1: Wednesday, Sept. 9 @ West Michigan Whitecaps

Game 2: Thursday, Sept. 10 vs. West Michigan Whitecaps

Game 3 (If Necessary): Friday, Sept. 11 vs. West Michigan Whitecaps

The winner advances to the Eastern Division Championship Series against the Lansing Lugnuts/Great Lakes Loons. The EDCS will begin on Saturday, Sept. 12 with Game 1 in Fort Wayne if the TinCaps are in it.

Playoff tickets can be purchased online at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, or by visiting the Parkview Field Ticket Office.