COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – Jose Azocar hit a run-scoring single in the first inning, leading the West Michigan Whitecaps to a 3-1 win over the South Bend Cubs on Wednesday.

Brett Pirtle scored on the play to give the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead after he was hit with a pitch to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a walk by Will Maddox.

After West Michigan added two runs in the fifth, the Cubs cut into the deficit in the eighth inning when P.J. Higgins hit an RBI single, driving in Carlos Sepulveda.

West Michigan starter Fernando Perez (4-7) picked up the win after scattering seven hits over six scoreless innings. Opposing starter Oscar De La Cruz (1-2) took the loss in the Midwest League game after giving up three runs and four hits over five innings. Mark Ecker retired the side in order for his fifth save of the season.

West Michigan will again host South Bend Thursday for a 7 p.m. start.