MIDLAND, Mich. – You will take runs any way you can get them in the game of baseball. If they’re in bunches, even better. The Loons plated runs in just two innings on Wednesday, but it was enough as they edged the South Bend Cubs 5-4 at Dow Diamond. For the first time this season, Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Omar Estevez pushed a ball over the fence with a 375-foot home run.

The Chicago Cubs affiliate didn’t go down without a fight as they drew closer late with two runs in the 7th inning and a run in the top of the 9th inning. South Bend came as close as having the tying run on third base before Great Lakes reliever Adam Bray (SV, 1) was able to shut the door.

“We’re going out there trying to compete and win ballgames,” Loons manager Gil Velazquez said. “We were able to draw some walks and take advantage by stealing some bases. We got some good hits, it was a nice home run by Estevez, anytime we can get a win it’s nice.”

With the five runs, the Loons still only mustered four hits in the game and committed three errors in the field. They were active on the base paths as they stole three bases and capitalized on four walks by Cubs starter Justin Steele (L, 2-5).

It didn’t take long for Great Lakes (16-20) to put a crooked number up on the board as Ariel Sandoval singled to begin the ballgame. He came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Brendon Davis, which was followed up by Logan Landon putting a ball in play and two more runs scoring on a fielding error by South Bend second baseman Sutton Whiting.

Against Loons starter Nolan Long, the Cubs (22-15) responded with a run of their own in the 2nd inning when Jesse Hodges walked to begin the frame and a single off the bat of Andrew Ely allowed him to cross home plate with two outs to make 3-1 in favor of Great Lakes.

Due to an elevated pitch count, Long’s night was done after three innings allowing one run on four hits. Chris Powell (W, 2-1) provided stable relief for three innings not allowing a run and striking out three batters.

The home run by Estevez was a two-run shot and widened the lead for Great Lakes in the 5th inning. But the Cubs responded with two runs in the 7th and the tense 9th made for some nervous moments before the conclusion.