South Bend Cubs open homestand with 6-3 win over Peoria Chiefs

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Cubs opened a key homestand Tuesday night with a 6-3 win over the Peoria Chiefs at Four Winds Field. They entered the week with a chance to clinch the division’s first-half title and secure a postseason berth. Something the organization has not done since 2016.

The matchup carried added weight with Peoria coming in as one of the division’s hottest teams, entering the series 30-28 and riding a six-game winning streak. Plus, South Bend had already found success against Peoria earlier this season, taking four of six games from the Chiefs in April, including a ninth-inning comeback in the series finale.

But on Tuesday, the Cubs did enough offensively to create separation and leaned on their pitching staff late to protect the lead. South Bend held Peoria to three runs and avoided the big inning against a lineup capable of doing damage.

The win continues one of the Cubs’ strongest stretches of the season. They have been on an absolute heater, winning five straight series before this matchup, and now this victory gives the Cubs early momentum in a homestand that could help decide the first-half division race.

The series continues Wednesday night at Four Winds Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.