MWL1 South Bend Cubs

Cubs Offense Cold in 5-1 Series Opener Loss to Whitecaps

Published on July 29, 2018 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Cubs News Release


Comstock Park, MI: The South Bend Cubs started their 10 game road trip in a rough way in the series opener at Fifth Third Ballpark against the West Michigan Whitecaps. In a 5-1 loss where the Whitecaps controlled the game, South Bend lost their third straight game after dropping two of three games to Lansing at home.

2015 Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year Ryan Williams took the mound for his second start with the team in 2018. Williams, recovering from shoulder surgery, pitched 5.1 innings in his debut at Kane County. Tonight, the power packed West Michigan order got to Williams early.

Now featuring Kody Clemens, the son of MLB great Roger Clemens, the Whitecaps placed themselves within a game and a half of South Bend for the first playoff spot in the Eastern Division.

The knockout blow tonight came from Clemens, who blasted a solo home run over the right field wall into the party deck in the bottom of the 3rd inning. After the home run, Williams settled in and finished with six strikeouts in his first loss this year.

Out of the bullpen for South Bend, Manuel Rodriguez had one of his best innings as a South Bend Cub. With his fastball hitting 95-97 MPH consistently, Rodriguez struck out the side in a scoreless frame.

The only South Bend offense came with two runners in scoring position. With Clayton Daniel at second base and Zach Davis at third, Austin Filiere brought in his 40th RBI this season on a sacrifice fly, scoring Davis. At that point, the West Michigan lead was cut to four.

In the top of the 9th, Will Vest shut down the Cubs and ended the series opener. With the win, both clubs sit at 51-53 this season. In the second half, the Cubs fall to 17-18.

South Bend will have the opportunity to get back in the series tomorrow afternoon when they visit the Whitecaps again in a Sunday matinee. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.

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Midwest League Stories from July 29, 2018


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