South Bend Cubs take series from Beloit despite no-hit loss in finale

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Cubs finished their six-game series against the Beloit Sky Carp with a 10-0 loss Sunday but still claimed the set 4-2.

They entered Sunday’s finale coming off a marathon 12-5 win Saturday night that lasted nearly three and a half hours. But one day later, South Bend could not keep that momentum rolling, as it was held hitless over nine innings. It marked the first time in four years the Cubs had been no-hit.

Even with the tough finish, South Bend turned in several standout performances across the series. Right-hander Brooks Caple was one of the Cubs’ top performers, continuing his strong start to the season. In the home opener, he allowed just one run while setting another career high in strikeouts.

At the plate, Owen Ayers stayed hot throughout the week. He homered for a fourth straight game in Thursday’s win and helped lead an offense that consistently put pressure on Beloit pitching.

South Bend also made an impact on the bases. The Cubs stole five bases in Wednesday’s 9-5 win, then followed that by setting a single-game franchise record with nine steals in Thursday’s victory.

At the end of the day, it was really a combination of steady starting pitching and explosive baserunning that helped South Bend secure the series.

“The first five games of the series didn’t go our way, but after the tough loss, we came back and showed some grit and attacked their hitters,” Beloit manager Angel Espada said. “They have a great ball club over there. They don’t chase. They got guys that can hit the ball all over the place and put together some good at-bats, so that’s why it makes this one more special.”

Beloit returns home to face Great Lakes, while South Bend heads back on the road for another six-game series against the Dayton Dragons, the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.