EASTLAKE, Ohio – In the finale of a six-game series, the Lake County Captains (54-44, 17-17) defeated the South Bend Cubs (60-38, 21-15) by a final score of 1-0 on Sunday afternoon in a rain-shortened game at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake.
The weather proved to be a critical factor in the outcome. After South Bend scored four runs on six hits in the top of the eighth inning, the game was called due to rain. However, since Lake County did not have a chance to respond in the home half of the eighth, the Captains officially earned a 1-0 victory in seven innings.
Lake County’s lone run came in the fourth inning, powered by a trio of South Bend errors. A fielding error by Cubs 3B Michael Hallquist allowed Lake County DH Jonah Advincula to reach base before he reached third on a two-base pickoff error by LHP Pierce Coppola (L, 0-1). Advincula then scored after a throwing error by C Justin Stransky, who threw down to second base in an effort to nab CF Esteban González on a stolen base attempt.
After being held to just two hits in seven scoreless innings, the Cubs were nearly held scoreless again in the eighth. After an infield single from SS Angel Cepeda, MLB Pipeline’s No. 24 Cubs prospect, CF Kane Kepley, MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 Cubs prospect, lined into a double play.
But the South Bend offense roared back to take the lead, rattling off five straight two-out hits. LF Jose Escobar, MLB Pipeline’s No. 18 Cubs prospect, tied the game with a solo home run. DH Matt Halbach followed with an infield single before 1B Michael Carico roped an RBI double, giving the visitors their first lead of the afternoon. After 3B Michael Hallquist singled, RF Geuri Lubo ended the Cubs’ surge with a two-run single.
But moments after the top of the eighth ended, the heavy rain began to fall in Eastlake. The game was then called in a matter of minutes, wiping away South Bend’s rally and allowing Lake County to come away with a 1-0 win.
RHP Jacob Zibin (W, 3-2) earned his second win of the series for the Captains with a dominant effort. The right-hander limited the Cubs to just one hit in six scoreless innings, striking out two and walking three.
LHP Pierce Coppola (L, 0-1), MLB Pipeline’s No. 29 Cubs prospect, suffered the loss for the visitors, allowing an unearned run on two hits in five innings of work, striking out four without a walk.
RHP Cam Schuelke (S, 3) earned the save in a scoreless inning of relief for Lake County, allowing one hit and one walk.
After an off day on Monday, Aug. 3, the Captains will begin a six-game road series against the Lansing Lugnuts. First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for Tuesday night, Aug. 4, at 7:05 p.m. from Jackson Field in Lansing, Michigan. The game will be broadcast on the Bally Sports Live App, the MiLB App, and StreamGuys, with social media coverage courtesy of @LCCaptains on X and Instagram.
NOTES TO KNOW
- INF Garrett Howe extended his on-base streak to 10 games with a single on Sunday afternoon. The 2024 11th-round pick out of Samford is batting .333 with 11 hits, four doubles, one home run, 10 RBI, and a .960 OPS during this span.
- OF/DH Jonah Advincula stole his 12th base in his 13th game for the Captains this season on Sunday afternoon. Since his first game with Lake County this year on July 18, his 12 stolen bases lead High-A and rank second in Minor League Baseball. The 2023 eighth-round pick out of Washington State trails only Single-A Hill City Howlers INF Dauri Fernandez (13 stolen bases), MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 Guardians prospect, for the most stolen bases in MiLB during this span.
- RHP Jacob Zibin tied his pro career-high with six innings pitched on Sunday afternoon. The 2022 10th-round pick out of TNXL Academy (FL) has logged a 1.64 ERA in two starts versus South Bend this week, permitting just two earned runs in 11 combined innings of work.
About the Lake County Captains:
The Lake County Captains are the professional High-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians located in Eastlake, Ohio. Our mission is to honor the rich history of our organization, while also introducing baseball to a new generation of fans through innovative means. We are committed to supporting our community, sports teams, and each other by demonstrating passion and having fun every day.