Mort Shines in Homecoming as Wisconsin Topples South Bend 8-3

July 9, 2022 - Midwest League (MWL)
South Bend Cubs News Release

South Bend, IN - In their key six-game series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, both the Cubs and Rattlers have now won back-to-back games over the course of the week. Wisconsin took the opener, while South Bend was victorious on Wednesday and Thursday. Yesterday and today, the Timber Rattlers took away W's as South Bend must now win on Sunday afternoon for a series split. Saturday's final was 8-3.

The night began with the club's exchanging runs in the 1st inning. For the Cubs, Yohendrick Pinango doubled home Fabian Pertuz, and South Bend tied the game at 1-1. Last night, Wisconsin struck with a five-run 7th inning. Tonight, it was a six-run top of the 2nd against righty Manuel Espinoza.

Espinoza's 10th start of the season featured four of the seven runs he allowed being earned. He took the loss, and is now 3-5 on the season. After the six-run outburst, the Cubs struck back with two tallies in the bottom of the 3rd on an RBI sacrifice fly from Fabian Pertuz, and a run scoring single for Owen Caissie.

Pinango continued his big stretch for the Cubs, and now has five straight games with at least two hits. Tonight, he had three knocks, and eight of nine Cubs in the lineup had a base hit.

The biggest performance of the ballgame belonged to former South Bend Cub and 2019 Midwest League Champion Zach Mort. The former Cubs farmhand, and now Milwaukee Brewers prospect, fired five shutout innings out of the bullpen with no walks and three strikeouts. He earned the win in his return to Four Winds Field. Mort pitched in game one of the Midwest League Championship Series in 2019, in relief of Big Leaguer Kendall Graveman.

On the bump for South Bend, after Espinoza had to be relieved following 1.1 innings of work, Jarod Wright entered the game and provided the Cubs a chance to get back in it. The right-hander put away 5.2 innings from the bullpen with one run surrendered. Later in the game, Gabriel Jaramillo tossed two scoreless innings.

With the loss, the Cubs fall one game behind the Timber Rattlers again for first place in the West Division for the second half. If they can win on Sunday, South Bend can end the series with a split and get back to a tie for the top spot.

Flame throwing righty Daniel Palencia is the expected starter for the Cubs in the series finale. He pitched in the opener, but in relief of the rehabbing Chicago Cubs lefty Drew Smyly. First pitch in Downtown South Bend is set for 2:05 PM.

Midwest League Stories from July 9, 2022

• Kernels Split Doubleheader with River Bandits - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Loons' Offense Emerges Anew in Dominant Win over Lansing - Great Lakes Loons
• Nastrini, Loons Stop Lugs, 7-3 - Lansing Lugnuts
• Sky Carp Pound Out 18 Hits in 6-1 Win Over Chiefs - Peoria Chiefs
• Mort Shines in Homecoming as Wisconsin Topples South Bend 8-3 - South Bend Cubs
• Salas, Fitterer Boost Beloit Past Peoria - Beloit Sky Carp
• Big Second Inning Pushes Wisconsin Past South Bend - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Dragons Lose Doubleheader Despite Big Night from de la Cruz - Dayton Dragons
• Rijo Reinstated from Injured List, Transferred to FCL - Cedar Rapids Kernels
• Valenzuela Homers in Friday Night Win - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Williams Homers in Return to Lineup, Bandits Fall to Kernels - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Williams Homers in Return to Lineup, Bandits Fall to Kernels - Quad Cities River Bandits

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