Cubs Win Second Straight Game Against Fort Wayne
SOUTH BEND, IND - The South Bend Cubs (8-6) take the first of a four game series over Fort Wayne (9-6) with a 7-2 win.
Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Kellogg (6.0 IP, 3 Hits, 1 Run, 0 ER) and the Cubs defense started of slow in the first inning. After an error put lead-off man Peter VanGansen on base, Ty France lined a RBI single to center making it 1-0. Brad Zunica blasted a double immediately after, which moved France up to third. Kellogg then got Luis Tejada to pop out ending the first inning. This was the only danger the Cubs' defense faced all game. Although a run crossed home plate it was not charged to Kellogg. He went on to pitch six straight scoreless innings and retired the last 10 batters he faced. "Feels really good to have that win and to know you have the defense behind you to be able to go out there and make pitches and not be afraid of contact because you know they are going to make those plays," Kellogg said about his defense. His six-inning performance was a career high for him. Four of those innings he retired all three batters in order.
The base running was crucial early on for the Cubs' offense. Donnie Dewees showed his hustle beating out the throw on a drop third strike to get on base and keep the first inning alive. Dewees advanced into scoring position on his fifth stolen base of the season. Eloy Jimenez brought Dewees home on a single that inched by the shortstop VanGansen. The speed on the base paths continued to be a catalyst in the second. Daniel Spingola reached on an error. He then stole second, which allowed him to come home after a Bryant Flete two-bagger putting the Cubs in front 2-0.
Eddy Julio Martinez went yard in the 3rd scoring Eloy Jimenez. Cubs led 4-1 through three innings. It could have been more in fourth but a two out rally was stalled and the Cubs left three on base.
De Los Santos (4.0 IP, 6 Hits, 3 ER) was replaced by Nick Monroe to begin the fifth frame.
John Williamson took over in 7th for Kellogg. A wild pitch allowed A.J. Kennedy to score from 3rd. Williamson started the 8th inning with a strikeout but struggled with a walk and two wild pitches. Greyfer Eregua came out of the bullpen and got Luis Tejada to pop-out then struck out Jhonathan Pena to end the inning.
The Cubs added to their lead in the 8th, scoring three runs. A RBI double from Spingola scored Martinez. Then Spingola came around to score the very next pitch on an arrant throw to first after Ely's bunt. Ely was able to score on a Flete double.
Manager Jimmy Gonzalez spoke about the team being able to go out and play well against one of the best offenses in the league.
"It's for them to know their game, it didn't matter if it's the last place team or the first place team. To have the same mindset going out there, the same approach whether its pitching defense or offense and just go out there and execute," Gonzalez went on to say, "That's the name of the game, if you do those things it doesn't matter who your playing. Things are going to work out your way."
The Cubs will be back in action tomorrow night against the Fort Wayne TinCaps. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35pm.