Offense erupts as Cubs crush Lugnuts 13-4

Lansing, MI: Not only was Sunday afternoon an important day for the Chicago Cubs in Milwaukee, but also the South Bend Cubs in Lansing, Michigan. In game two of their three game series, the Cubs and Lugnuts battled in the game that decided who would grab sole possession of the wild card spot in the Midwest League's Eastern Division. South Bend took the key game by a final of 13-4.

After beating the Lugnuts 6-0 in game one yesterday, the Cubs continued their hot stretch at the plate by scoring four runs in the first three innings. South Bend outscored Lansing 10-0 before the Lugnuts scored their first run of the series in the bottom of the 3rd today.
Setting the tone for South Bend right away was center fielder Cole Roederer. The 19-year-old top-10 Cubs prospect brought in the club's first run on a sac fly. He finished the day with two RBI.
The middle of the order also came alive in a big way on Sunday. Andy Weber continued his hot stretch by going 4/6 with three RBI in the game. The Cubs shortstop has his average up to .267. Right behind him in the clean-up spot, Fidel Mejia went 3/5 with three RBI of his own.
South Bend did not hit a home run on Sunday, but they smacked six doubles and went 5/19 with runners in scoring position.
On the mound, two starters combined to finish off the Lugnuts. The Cubs starter Cam Sanders continued his noteworthy month of July by tossing five innings with just one run allowed. The former LSU Tiger also struck out three batters. His ERA for the month of July is now at a minuscule 0.90.
Derek Casey was the piggyback reliever after Sanders finished. The South Bend opening day starter recently came off the injured list and returned in a big way for the Cubs. The former Virginia Cavalier went four innings with just one earned run given up. Casey also had three strikeouts of his own.
Today's win not only means the Cubs are in a playoff spot, but also another milestone for manager Buddy Bailey. Today's victory was Bailey's 2,122nd as a minor league manager. This total ties Bailey with Bill Clymer for 7th place all-time. He will have the opportunity to pass Clymer in the series finale tomorrow.
Tomorrow night's finale is set for first pitch at 12:05 PM. Riley Thompson is the expected starter for South Bend.