Whitecaps Avoid Sweep, Salvage Finale

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.

Ian Happ (@ihapp_1) doubles down the line in the first inning » pic.twitter.com/r89CZWoRqD

— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) July 26, 2015

Two singles, two walks and a double for Ian Happ in his first six @SBCubs plate appearances » pic.twitter.com/X6di0Q21mC

— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) July 26, 2015

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.

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.