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South Bend squeezes out a 1-0 win in the home opener vs West Michigan

Javier Assad picks up his first full-season win with five scoreless innings
April 7, 2018

South Bend, IN: Dominant pitching on both sides between the South Bend Cubs and West Michigan Whitecaps took center stage on Opening Night at Four Winds Field.

South Bend, IN: Dominant pitching on both sides between the South Bend Cubs and West Michigan Whitecaps took center stage on Opening Night at Four Winds Field.

Starters Javier Assad and Eudis Idrogo shined on a chilly first game in South Bend this season. The game was defined by one mistake made by West Michigan. Up until the 5th inning, both starters had not allowed a run and the game had not featured any big hits or moments. 
That was until the bottom of the 5th inning where the Cubs took control and scored their first run off of Idrogo. Designated Hitter Miguel Amaya blasted a deep drive down the right field line that would have left the ballpark if the wind was blowing towards that way, however it careened off of the right field wall getting Amaya to second base for a double. 
Amaya then went to third on a sacrifice fly hit by Brandon Hughes. Ultimately, the 19-year-old ranked the number 11 overall prospect in the Cubs organization scored the game's only run on a wild pitch thrown by the lefty Idrogo. West Michigan made no relay throw, allowing Amaya to score easily. 
The one run was all South Bend needed for the night. Javier Assad finished his night with five innings of shutout ball and his first win in full-season baseball. Assad struck out five batters in the game. 
Assad's stellar night was matched by reliever Rollie Lacy. Lacy's South Bend debut came in style as he struck out seven batters in just three innings of work. The one run game did not seem to bother Lacy as he gave up just one hit over the three frames. Manuel Rodriguez came on to throw a scoreless 9th inning and was awarded the save. 
With the win, South Bend picks up their first win of the season heading into the series finale tomorrow afternoon from Four Winds Field at 2:05 p.m. The Cubs will look to win back-to-back games leading into a four game series with the Bowling Green Hot Rods starting on Monday night. 
Scheduled to pitch tomorrow is the Chicago Cubs fourth round pick from the 2017 draft, Erich Uelman. Uelman will take the hill for his first full-season start and his South Bend Cubs debut.