Thompson, Cubs blank Lugnuts, 6-0

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Riley Thompson combined with two relievers - including former Michigan State Spartan Riley McCauley - on a five-hit shutout, and the South Bend Cubs (5-5) defeated the Lansing Lugnuts (4-5), 6-0, on Saturday afternoon at Four Winds Field.

Lansing starter Fitz Stadler (Loss, 1-1) allowed seven hits and five runs in three innings, the brunt of which occurred in a four-run third capped by a Tyler Durna two-run double.

Jordan Groshans doubled in the first inning and Jake Brodt walked and stole second in the second inning - the only times that Lugnuts runners advanced into scoring position.

Thompson (Win, 1-0) limited Lansing to four hits and a walk in five innings, striking out five. Jeff Passantino pitched the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, facing one batter above the minimum, before McCauley worked around a Ryan Gold walk in a scoreless ninth.

Dom Abbadessa singled and walked in three plate appearances, the only Lugnuts batter to reach base more than once.

Joey Pulido pitched an inning of scoreless relief, walking the first batter he faced before striking out the top three Cubs batters, in bridging the gap between Stadler and piggyback tandem-mate Cobi Johnson . Johnson pitched the final four innings, allowing only a sixth-inning RBI double to D.J. Artis.

The rubber match of the three-game series will be held at 2:05 p.m. Sunday, with Lansing right-hander Josh Winckowski (1.29) dueling with South Bend left-hander Faustino Carrera (4.91).

The Nuts return to Cooley Law School Stadium on a Labatt Blue Thirsty Thursday, April 18th: The Purge Night! Sometime during the game, a siren will sound - at which point all food and non-alcoholic beverages are free until the inning comes to an end!

To purchase tickets and live the Lug Life at Cooley Law School Stadium, visit lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500.
 
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