MWL Fort Wayne TinCaps

Winning Streak Ends as First Half Closes

June 22, 2023 - Midwest League (MWL)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release


SOUTH BEND -- The TinCaps' three-game winning streak came to an end in a 5-1 loss to the South Bend Cubs as the first half of the High-A Midwest League season concluded on Thursday night at Four Winds Field.

Records now reset to 0-0 for the second half of the year, which begins Friday. In the East Division, the 'Caps will be one of five teams vying to earn a spot in September's postseason based off the second-half standings. The Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate) won the first-half division title.

After an 0-5 start to the half, and at one point falling to 10-22, from May 14 on, Fort Wayne went 22-12 to finish at 32-34.

Thursday's game was tied, 1-1, through three innings. However, in the bottom of the fourth, South Bend first baseman Felix Stevens launched a two-run home run to left field and the Cubs added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth.

The TinCaps had tied the game, 1-1, in the third, as shortstop Jackson Merrill (No. 1 Padres prospect), who was on base with a single, stole second. An errant throw to second allowed catcher Juan Zabala to score from third. Zabala had singled as well, extending his on-base streak to 15 games -- the fourth longest active streak in the league.

The 'Caps finished the night with eight hits, but they were all singles. Second baseman Chase Valentine had a game-high, and career-high, three knocks. Fort Wayne, though, went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base. In the seventh, with runners at first and second with two outs, Merrill launched a ball to the wall in right field, yet it was caught just in front of the 360-foot marker.

The TinCaps were going up against starter Cade Horton (No. 2 Cubs prospect), who struck out six across five innings. Meanwhile, 'Caps starter Ryan Bergert also punched out six, over four frames. Aaron Holiday and José Geraldo each pitched a scoreless inning following that.

Next Game: Friday, June 23 @ South Bend Cubs (7:05 p.m.)

TinCaps Probable Starter: LHP Bodi Rascon

Cubs Probable Starter: RHP Brandon Birdsell

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Midwest League Stories from June 22, 2023


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