SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Wyatt Short struck out pinch-hitter Bo Bichette with the bases loaded, sealing a 5-4 victory for the South Bend Cubs (2-8, 41-38) over the Lansing Lugnuts (3-7, 40-36) on Saturday night at Four Winds Field.The Cubs rallied from 2-0 and 4-2 deficits to take the lead on Vimael Machin's
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Wyatt Short struck out pinch-hitter Bo Bichette with the bases loaded, sealing a 5-4 victory for the South Bend Cubs (2-8, 41-38) over the Lansing Lugnuts (3-7, 40-36) on Saturday night at Four Winds Field.
The Cubs rallied from 2-0 and 4-2 deficits to take the lead on Vimael Machin's two-run homer in the seventh off Connor Eller (Blown Save, 1; Loss, 1-2).
Short (Save, 8) set down Rodrigo Orozco and Edward Olivares to start the ninth inning, pushing the Lugnuts to their last out. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. drew a walk to keep hope alive, and a Mitch Nay single and Nash Knight walk loaded the bases. J.B. Woodman worked the count to two balls and two strikes before departing due to precautionary reasons. Manager Cesar Martin turned to Bichette, the Midwest League's leading hitter.
Short's first pitch to Bichette missed high and wide, filling the count. His second offering was fouled off to the right. His third was swung at and missed, ending the game.
Nay starred in defeat, going 4-for-5 with two singles, a double, a home run, two runs scored and three runs driven in. Designated hitter Andres Sotillo went 3-for-4 with a double, Guerrero went 1-for-2 with three walks, and Knight was 2-for-4 with an RBI double to aid the offense.
Lugnuts starter Mike Ellenbest pitched 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks.
Right-hander Yennsy Diaz (1-0, 2.16) starts the third game of the four-game series at 7:35 p.m. Sunday, taking on Cubs left-hander Manuel Rondon (7-2, 4.63).
The Lugnuts return to Michigan's state capital on Tuesday for special 4th of July LAFCU Fireworks. Tickets may be purchased at the Cooley Law School Stadium box office, by calling (517) 485-4500 or via lansinglugnuts.com.
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