Cubs Start 2019 with Exhibition Win over Notre Dame

South Bend, IN: One run was all the South Bend Cubs needed to take down the University of Notre Dame Baseball Team on Wednesday night at Four Winds Field. Behind pitcher's Brailyn Marquez and Dalton Geekie, South Bend secured the shutout win in the exhibition.

Marquez tossed three scoreless innings and struck out three batters in the win. The Chicago Cubs number three overall prospect impressed with an upper-90s fastball. Geekie secured the win with two more shutout frames in his Four Winds Field debut.
For their only run, it came in the bottom of the 1^st inning after back-to-back walks to start the frame. D.J. Artis and Cole Roederer both reached on a free pass. After a double steal, Artis slid head first into the third base bag and immediately got up after the Notre Dame catcher's throw sailed into left field. 
Artis easily scored to make it 1-0. That was all the Cubs needed to secure the victory. With the win, South Bend goes into Opening Night tomorrow against the West Michigan Whitecaps with confidence. 
Chicago Cubs 2018 9^th round pick Derek Casey will be the Opening Night starter for South Bend. The former Virginia Cavalier is set to make his Four Winds Field debut. Buddy Bailey will also make his official debut as South Bend Manager. Bailey is just 33 wins away from 2,100 for his career. First pitch tomorrow night is set for 7:05 p.m.