Cubs drop series opener at Wisconsin 6-1

Appleton, WI: In their series opener against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the South Bend Cubs returned to play at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton for the first time in two seasons. The inter-division play continued for South Bend after they dropped two out of three games to Quad Cities at home. In game one against Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate used the long ball to their advantage in a 6-1 win.

After going 1-2-3 in their half of the 1st inning, South Bend sent right-hander Derek Casey to the mound to begin the series. Things got started in a shaky way for the former Virginia Cavalier, as Connor McVey led off the frame with a solo home run.
The Cubs bounced back to tie it in the top of the 4th at 1-1, but they had to exchange two outs for a run. Fidel Mejia bounced into a double play and Clayton Daniel came home to score. Daniel was on base more than any Cub in the game, as he drew three walks and finished 0/1.
Wisconsin struck again in the bottom of the 6th against Casey as Midwest League All-Star David Fry and Gabriel Garcia teamed up to crank two home runs out to make it a lofty lead of 5-1.
The Cubs were never able to recover and the Timber Rattlers finished off the 6-1 final. With the loss, the Cubs fall to 49-44 on the season and 12-13 through the second half. Even with tonight's defeat, the Cubs remain just one game back of the wild card spot held by the Lansing Lugnuts.
South Bend will look to tie the series up tomorrow night with first pitch at 8:05 PM. All-Star lefty Brailyn Marquez will take the ball for the Cubs.