South Bend Cubs shut out 9-0 by West Michigan as Whitecaps launch three home runs

SOUUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Cubs were shut out 9-0 by the West Michigan Whitecaps on Wednesday night at Four Winds Field, evening the series at one game apiece.

West Michigan scored six runs over the second and third innings, highlighted by home runs from Jackson Strong and Clayton Campbell. Campbell, finishing with four RBIs.

South Bend also saw two pitchers make their Cubs debuts. Luke Alwood, the Chicago Cubs’ 10th-round draft pick this year, pitched the fifth inning, while Edwardo Melendez struck out five over three innings.

South Bend, however, still struggled to generate any sustained offense. Kade Snell provided one of the Cubs’ few bright spots at the plate, ripping a leadoff triple in the second inning and adding a single in the fourth. But South Bend could not capitalize on either opportunity and was kept off the scoreboard for all nine innings.

The Cubs will look to bounce back Thursday night, with Nazier Mule scheduled to start. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Four Winds Field.