The South Bend Cubs played what amounted to one and a half games on Saturday against the Great Lakes Loons, in a day shaped by both weather delays and Minor League Baseball’s unique doubleheader rules. The day began with the completion of a suspended game from Friday night, which resumed in the top of the 5th inning with the Cubs trailing 2–1. After finishing that contest, the two teams played a scheduled 7-inning game, as per MiLB’s standard doubleheader format.

Unfortunately for South Bend, both games ended with the same disappointing result: 2–1 losses. With the double defeat, the Cubs now trail the series 3–2 heading into Sunday afternoon’s finale at Four Winds Field.

In Game 1, the Cubs’ only run came on Friday evening, before the suspension, when Carter Trice launched a solo home run to left field. That blast tied the game 1–1 at the time, but the Loons regained the lead before play was halted. When the game resumed on Saturday, both teams were held scoreless over the final four and a half innings. South Bend’s best opportunity came in the bottom of the ninth, when they loaded the bases with a chance to walk it off. However, Ariel Armas grounded out to end the game, stranding all three runners and sealing the narrow 2–1 loss.

Game 2 featured an impressive start from right-hander Ryan Gallagher, who continued to show poise on the mound. He pitched five strong innings, allowing just three hits and two earned runs, while striking out seven Loons batters. The runs came in the second and third innings, and despite a solid outing, Gallagher was tagged with the tough-luck loss. South Bend had a few scoring chances, including the bottom of the sixth, when Carter Trice doubled to lead off the inning, but he was ultimately stranded at third. The Cubs finally broke through in the bottom of the seventh when Brian Kalmer singled home Ivan Brethowr, cutting the deficit to one run. However, with the tying run at first base, Drew Bowser grounded out to end the game and extinguish the late rally.

While both losses were close and hard-fought, the Cubs will look to bounce back in Sunday’s series finale, hoping to earn a split and avoid losing four out of six at home. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 PM at Four Winds Field, where South Bend will aim to reverse the momentum and close out the homestand on a high note.

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