Hudson and Robinson Combine to Shutout Dragons Offense to Tie Series
SOUTH BEND, IN - While the common fan might think that a matchup between two of the top three teams in the Eastern Division of the Midwest League would see a significant amount of offense, Tuesday morning's game developed into a rubber-game between the South Bend Cubs and Dayton Dragons.
SOUTH BEND, IN - While the common fan might think that a matchup between two of the top three teams in the Eastern Division of the Midwest League would see a significant amount of offense, Tuesday morning's game developed into a rubber-game between the South Bend Cubs and Dayton Dragons. Though neither team scored in the first 6 1/2 innings,
The game saw only seven hits between both teams while a total of 14 runners were left on base. The Cubs (24-13) made up for last night's loss with today's victory and are once again 1.5 games out of first place behind the Dragons (26-12) and the West Michigan Whitecaps (25-12).
SHUTOUT CONTRIBUTORS: Cubs starting pitcher,
In 11 innings pitched so far in the month of May, Hudson has a 1.64 ERA, which is nearly 8.5 runs better than his 10.13 ERA throughout two games started in April.
"I've been working towards it all spring and as I got here so it felt really good," Hudson said of his best performance. "Today I had solid command of all of my pitches, but I felt best about my rhythm; no matter what happened, I kept the same tempo and I think that's what made it the best for me today."
"I'm very privileged to have [Robinson] behind me because I think me and him are a great duo and he's a fantastic pitcher all around," said Hudson about Robinson's efforts to hold on to the shutout. "No matter where he comes in, he's going to get the job done."
This season it has been apparent that Team Manager Jimmy Gonzalez plans to use Robinson's pitching versatility as both a starter and reliever. So far this season, the Dartmouth alum has proved he can excel regardless of when he enters the game.
As a starter he is 2-1 in three games started while his other three wins have come over the span of four relief appearances.
"Having a shutout always puts some pressure on," said Robinson who entered with the game tied 0-0. "It's funny because before the game I was telling Brian [Lawrence], 'this time we're going to do it, just us two. We're going to finish the game, and not use the bullpen.' After the game we kinda just looked at each other and smiled and said, 'we did what we said what we we're going to do.'"
MINIMAL OFFENSE: The first and only run of the ballgame came in the bottom of the seventh inning on
Dayton had runners on first and second base with two outs in the fourth and fifth innings; however, a groundout and a strikeout prevented the Dayton offense from scoring on either of the two chances.
The Cubs did not have a runner in scoring position all game, but there was no need for one as Galindo's homer provided all the offense the Cubs needed to tie the series 1-1 heading into tomorrow's final game.
REMARKABLE DEFENSE: A handful of Top-10 worthy plays were made, most of which came from second base throughout the early morning game.
South Bend's defensive highlight reel immediately continued from the night before with
The Dragons second baseman,
WHAT'S NEXT
Cubs:
Dragons: The Cincinnati Reds' Midwest League affiliate will send
Photo credit: Emma Reese