Dayton, OH: For the second straight day, the South Bend Cubs have beaten the Dayton Dragons by a final score of 3-2. Only today, it was a bit more dramatic.
Dayton, OH: For the second straight day, the South Bend Cubs have beaten the Dayton Dragons by a final score of 3-2. Only today, it was a bit more dramatic.
Much like last night, the Cubs got off to a red hot start by scoring the first three runs of the game off of starter Hunter Greene. All of South Bend's offense came in the top of the 4th inning. With three runs coming off three extra base hits and an error, it was a 3-0 South Bend lead by inning's end.
Roberto Caro started the frame by hitting his second triple of the series. He immediately scored after Jhonny Bethencourt dribbled a grounder towards shortstop. Jeter Downs bobbled the ball for a moment and still tried to throw to first. The toss was in the dirt and found its way into the bullpen. Caro came home to score the first run.
Then, on two doubles hit by Jared Young and Michael Cruz, the Cubs had the commanding three run lead.
South Bend's bats quieted shortly after, however. And it was up to the pitching to keep them in the lead. Jesus Camargo started Friday's game and gave up just two runs in the bottom of the 5th. The right hander struck out five batters to earn his third win of the campaign.
Out of the bullpen, Enrique De Los Rios and Ben Hecht combined for four scoreless innings. De Los Rios picked up the hold by pitching the 6th, 7th, and 8th. He allowed just three hits. Hecht took control of the game in the 9th by working it 1-2-3. With his second save, Hecht struck out Montrell Marshall looking for the frame's second out.
The game was decided at home plate, however. On two plays from the outfield, Downs was thrown out at the plate twice trying to score the tying run. On the first occasion, Downs sprinted around third base after J.D. Williams singled into left. On a strike home, Roberto Caro through out Downs to keep the 3-2 lead.
Then in the bottom of the 8th, De Los Rios got Andy Sugilio to hit a playable line drive into center field. Brandon Hughes put himself into perfect position to field and throw home. The fly ball looked deep enough to score Downs. As he tagged, Hughes fired home. The tag was applied by Miguel Amaya and Downs was out.
The 3-2 victory gives South Bend their 36th win of the season and puts them back above .500 at 36-35. They will look for the series win tomorrow night in game three against Dayton with right hander Rollie Lacy on the mound.
