The South Bend Cubs edged out the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 4-2 on July 23, thanks in large part to a crushing two-run home run from first baseman Josiah Hartshorn in the seventh inning.
Hartshorn's blast, which was his first home run in two weeks, proved to be the difference-maker in the game. The Cubs' starter, Ethan Flanagan, pitched five strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits. He struck out four and walked one. Ben Johnson came in for relief and allowed no runs on one hit, walking one and striking out one. Luis Rujano started the ninth but gave up a run before Ethan Bell entered the game and shut the door with a fly out to center to get the save.
The win marked a strong outing for the South Bend Cubs, who are now 20-39 on the season. Hartshorn's home run was his 16th on the year and 11th with South Bend, and he also walked twice in the game. Right fielder Jose Escobar was 2 for 4 with an RBI triple, and shortstop Angel Cepeda was 2 for 4 as well. Center fielder Kane Kepley went 0 for 3 but walked twice and scored on Hartshorn's blast.
The South Bend Cubs' victory comes as the minor league season continues to heat up. With the Iowa Cubs and Knoxville Smokies also in action, the Cubs' win is a notable one in the Midwest League. The team will look to build on this momentum in their next game.
The South Bend Cubs will continue to play at home against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in their next game. The series will be a crucial one for the Cubs, who are looking to make a push up the standings in the Midwest League.
Source: Yahoo Sports
