COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. – Jared Cheek struck Cam Gibson out with the bases loaded to end the game, leading the South Bend Cubs to a 5-3 win over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday.

Up 1-0 in the third, South Bend added to its lead when Vimael Machin hit a two-run single and Eddy Martinez scored on a double play.

The Whitecaps cut into the deficit in the fourth inning when Brett Pirtle scored on a wild pitch.

The Cubs tacked on another run in the sixth when Machin scored on a ground out.

West Michigan saw its comeback attempt come up short after Pirtle scored on a double play in the sixth inning and Victor Padron scored on a ground out in the ninth to cut the South Bend lead to 5-3.

Jose Paulino (3-1) went five innings, allowing one run and six hits while striking out seven to pick up the win. Kyle Dowdy (10-3) went 5 2/3 innings, allowing five runs and seven hits in the Midwest League game. He also struck out one and walked two.

Alberto Mineo doubled and singled twice in the win. P.J. Higgins reached base four times.

Pirtle doubled twice, scoring two runs for the Whitecaps.

The Cubs and Whitecaps wrap up its series Friday night at 7 p.m.