Herz Deals a Gem as South Bend Rolls over Peoria 5-1
July 15, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
South Bend Cubs News Release
Peoria, IL - To put it simply, it has been all South Bend Cubs all week in the first half of their six-game series against the Peoria Chiefs. South Bend has only given up two runs through three games, and put away yet another win this season against the Chiefs on Thursday night by a final of 5-1. This year, the Cubs own 14 wins over the St. Louis Cardinals Midwest League affiliate, and have had their most success this season against Peoria.
Like the prior two days, Thursday got started with a big first inning for South Bend. Pete Crow-Armstrong led off the game on Tuesday with a solo home run, doubled to begin the contest yesterday, and tonight reached base on a dropped third strike. Peoria right-hander Austin Love got credit for the 'K', but PCA quickly took second base on a wild pitch.
As the same as yesterday, Fabian Pertuz smacked a single into right field to score Crow-Armstrong. That's when the train left the station. As the 1st inning went on with Love making his fourth start versus South Bend this season, Yohendrick Pinango singled, Owen Caissie walked, and Luis Verdugo brought in another run on a RBI-groundout. Pablo Aliendo then singled home two runs for a 4-0 Cubs lead.
South Bend has gotten most of their offensive damage done this week early in games. That means quick run support for the Cubs starting pitchers, and late inning lockdown frames from the bullpen. That was the case once again tonight with lefty DJ Herz on the mound.
Also making his fourth start against the opposing lineup, Herz looked completely comfortable and had a solid three-pitch mix working as he kept the Chiefs guessing. The lone hit that he gave up also produced a run in the bottom of the 2nd. LJ Jones smashed a home run over the left field wall. In the series, Jones has five of the 11 total Peoria hits.
Other than that, Herz cruised and struck out six in five complete innings. As he continues to strengthen his arm, he is going deeper into games and should be in the position to earn more wins as the second half goes on. Earning the victory tonight, Herz is 2-2 on the season.
Out of the bullpen, Michael McAvene worked a scoreless frame in the bottom of the 6th. Riley Martin then tossed two shutout innings. Since his return from the Development List, Martin has combined four no-hit innings in two outings.
Pitching the bottom of the 9th was righty Eduarniel Nunez. Peoria did get one last chance at poking into the Cubs 5-1 lead, as they loaded the bases versus Nunez. Osvaldo Tovalin came in to pinch-hit for the Chiefs, but he bounced out to the Cubs shortstop Pertuz to end the game.
With the win, South Bend is 14-4 in the second half and now lead the Midwest League West Division by two games over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Wisconsin lost tonight to West Michigan. Beloit also lost as well to Cedar Rapids, and the Sky Carp are the next closest club to the Cubs, now six games back.
The Cubs can now guarantee themselves a series win tomorrow night in game four of the series against Peoria. First pitch from Dozer Park is set for 7:35 PM EST with right-hander Manuel Espinoza on the mound.
Midwest League Stories from July 15, 2022
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- Herz Deals a Gem as South Bend Rolls over Peoria 5-1 - South Bend Cubs
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