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MWL Fort Wayne TinCaps

Mears Homers, But Cubs Take Series Opener

May 30, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The TinCaps brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning on a warm Tuesday night at Parkview Field, but the South Bend Cubs survived in the series opener, 11-8.

The game featured 25 combined hits, including eight Cubs doubles and a season-high seven 'Caps extra-base hits -- five of which were doubles (equaling a season best).

Fort Wayne trailed 11-3 entering their last turn to the plate. In the bottom of the ninth inning, shortstop Jackson Merrill (No. 1 Padres prospect) hit an RBI single and first baseman Nathan Martorella (No. 23 Padres prospect) knocked a two-run double, while catcher Brandon Valenzuela (No. 30 Padres prospect) and center fielder Jakob Marsee (No. 22 Padres prospect) each added RBI two-baggers. Ultimately, Sheldon Reed registered the save for South Bend, zapping the building drama.

Earlier, the TinCaps led 3-2 through five innings, thanks in part to right fielder Joshua Mears (No. 14 Padres prospect) launching a go-ahead solo home run to left field in the home fourth. For Mears, it was his fourth homer of the season. It also extended his on-base streak to nine games and marked the eighth consecutive game in which he recorded an RBI. The last time a Fort Wayne player had such an RBI streak was 2011, when Luis Domoromo plated a run in nine games in a row.

Jairo Iriarte (No. 11 Padres prospect) started for the 'Caps. Though he allowed two runs in the first inning, he kept the Cubs off the board through the rest of his five innings. He struck out four.

Valenzuela helped the TinCaps chip into their initial deficit in the home first inning with an RBI single. Left fielder Justin Farmer later tied it in the fourth with a sacrifice fly to score Marsee, who had tripled.

But South Bend went ahead with two runs in the sixth, one in the seventh, and six in the eighth.

Fort Wayne's bullpen hadn't allowed a run in 17-plus consecutive innings before the dam broke.

Merrill finished with a game-high three hits. He's batting better than .300 in May.

The 87-degree first pitch temperature marked the warmest of the season so far in the Summit City.

Next Game: Wednesday, May 31 vs. South Bend Cubs (6:35 p.m.)

TinCaps Probable Starter: RHP Jared Kollar

Cubs Probable Starter: RHP Cade Horton (No. 2 Chicago prospect)

Watch: Bally Live app | MiLB.TV | MLB.TV

Listen: 1380 The Fan & 100.9 FM | TinCaps.com

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