By Mike Monaco

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – South Bend started fast in its quest for a three-game sweep, but West Michigan downed the Cubs, 5-1, to salvage the series finale Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Cubs (16-15 second half, 45-53 overall) collected three hits and a run in the top of the first, but West Michigan (18-12 second half, 51-48 overall) responded with a three-run second inning and limited South Bend to five hits but no runs the rest of the day.

New South Bend center fielder Ian Happ (2-for-4, one double, one single, one run) continued his strong start in the Midwest League. Happ, the ninth overall pick by the Cubs in June, was promoted from Short-Season Eugene on Saturday, and reached base in five of his first six plate appearances with South Bend.

Cubs starter Zach Hedges allowed five runs in five innings, surrendering four hits, walking two and plunking a pair.

South Bend left fielder Charcer Burks picked up two hits, and third baseman Vimael Machin drew three walks and singled.

Cubs right-handed reliever Dillon Maples chipped in with two hitless innings out of the bullpen, and lefty Tyler Ihrig delivered a 1-2-3 eighth.
With two outs in the first inning, Happ yanked a double down the right-field line. Cleanup man Gioskar Amaya then punched an RBI single to right field to plate Happ and make it 1-0 South Bend.

In the bottom of the second, Whitecaps second baseman Joey Pankake battered a two-run double to center field to lift West Michigan ahead 2-1. Two hitters later, shortstop David Gonzalez reeled in Pankake with a sliced single to left-center.

With runners at the corners in the bottom of the third, Whitecaps first baseman Will Kengor fisted a run-scoring single to right field to push West Michigan up 4-1.

In the fourth, Pankake flipped a solo shot over the left-field wall to extend the margin to 5-1.

After an off day Monday, South Bend travels to Midland, Michigan, to start a three-game series against Great Lakes on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET at Dow Diamond. Cubs right-hander Erick Leal (4.52 ERA) will toe the rubber.