Bracho’s homer, lights-out pitching lift Captains to 1-0 win

(South Bend, IN) – All the Lake County Captains (58-50) needed on Sunday night was an Aaron Bracho homer. The Captains earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over the South Bend Cubs (48-59) to clinch the series and pull within one game of the final playoff spot.

Mason Hickman (8-7) tossed six shutout innings for the Captains, allowing just one hit to earn the win. After walking Luis Vazquez to open the game, he retired 14 consecutive Cubs. Hickman matched his career high with nine strikeouts and issued two walks.

Aaron Bracho broke the scoreless tie with two outs in the top of the seventh. He turned on a pitch by Chris Clarke and launched his seventh home run of the year to give the Captains a 1-0 lead.

After Hickman left the game, Kevin Kelly worked a clean seventh inning that included a highlight reel diving catch in left field by Quentin Holmes.

In the bottom of the ninth, Jerson Ramirez had to leave the game with a man on first after an apparent injury. Nathan Ocker (3) entered for the Captains. He struck out Tyler Durna, but then walked Alexander Canario to put runners on first and second. Ocker struck out Bryce Ball for the second out and induced a fly out to center off the bat of Jake Slaughter for the final out to earn the save for the Captains.

The Captains return home where they will play their final 12 games of the season, beginning with a six-game series against the Dayton Dragons that starts on Tuesday. First pitch at Classic Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

About the Captains

The Lake County Captains are the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. For more information, visit the Captains’ website at www.CaptainsBaseball.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CaptainsBaseball, Twitter @LCCaptains and Instagram @LCCaptains. Fans can also get the latest Captains news and offers by signing up for the Captains’ newsletter, The Anchor.