MWL South Bend Cubs

Jordan Wicks Makes Pro Debut in Vintage Pitcher's Duel

Published on September 13, 2021 under Midwest League (MWL)
South Bend Cubs News Release


Jordan Wicks, the Cubs first round pick from this year's 2021 MLB Draft, made his pro debut today at Four Winds Field. The plan was for the lefty out of Kansas State to toss the first inning and then give way to Chris Clarke and that's exactly what happened. Wicks struck out Christian Cairo, the son of White Sox Bench Coach Miguel Cairo, to start his pro career and then retired the next two batters with a sliding and then diving catch in the outfield from Alexander Canario and Yohendrick Pinango respectively.

The story all day was dominant pitching.

Mason Hickman got the start for Lake County, a 22 year old who in 2019 got the start in the College World Series clincher for Vanderbilt. Hickman dominated the Cubs offense, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just one base hit. He struck out nine and walked two, picking up the win in the series finale.

Clarke took over for Wicks and matched Hickman stride-for-stride until the seventh. With the game still scoreless and with two outs in the top of the seventh, Aaron Bracho uncoiled on a pitch and sent a solo-shot over the wall in right field. That made it 1-0 Captains and that would prove to be the only run of the ballgame.

Clarke tied a career high he set earlier in the week by going six innings, he allowed just three hits and didn't issue a free pass but was tagged with the loss Sunday.

South Bend's offense produced just one hit until the ninth inning when Pinango singled to start the frame. Canario walked two batters later and the Cubs had the tying run at second and winning run aboard with just one out. However, Nathan Ocker struck out Bryce Ball looking and got Jake Slaughter to fly out to center to end the game.

Gabrielle Jaramillo also made his South Bend debut and tossed a perfect seventh and eighth inning.

Next Up: The Cubs hit the road for back-to-back away series to end the season, starting Tuesday night at 7:35 p.m. ET at Beloit. Tuesday's probables have not yet been announced.

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Midwest League Stories from September 13, 2021


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