Cubs Baseball: Early Struggles Doom Cubs
SOUTH BEND – The South Bend Cubs could not overcome an early three run deficit as they lose to the Dayton Dragons 7-2. With the loss, the Dragons regained sole possession of first place in the Midwest League’s Eastern Division.
The Dragons rounded the bases in a variety of ways to take the first lead of the game. In the first inning, they produced a 3-0 lead on two hits, two walks, and two stolen bases.
South Bend responded with a run of their own in the first inning when leadoff man Zack Short helped cut into the Dayton lead by reaching first base with a leadoff walk. Short then advanced to third on a botched pickoff attempt and later scored on Yeiler Peguero’s RBI-single.
However, Dayton’s designated hitter, Michael Beltre then homered in the very next inning to score the fourth run of the night for the Dragons, which simultaneously eliminated the Cubs’ first inning run.
James Vasquez also homered in the win for the Dragons; that home run came in the fifth inning off the first pitch from Cubs’ reliever Chad Hockin.
Despite the loss, Zack Short continued to prove himself as a bona fide leadoff hitter. Though he did not register a hit in the night’s matchup, Short demonstrated the plate discipline to earn two walks, which led to the first of two runs scored for the Cubs.
Centerfielder D.J. Wilson, (Chicago Cubs’ fourth round pick in 2015), registered two hits and scored the second and final run for the South Bend offense.
Cubs’ starting pitcher Tyson Miller had trouble with his command on the night as he was charged with the loss while only throwing 54% strikes. He allowed six earned runs on six hits throughout 4 2/3 innings pitched.
Tomorrow’s contest at Four Winds Field is scheduled to send Duncan Robinson to the mound for South Bend. The Houston native is 2-1 with a 1.32 ERA in three appearances this year. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.