South Bend Scores 18 Times on 20 Hits, Beats Kernels 18-2

South Bend, IN - The South Bend offense erupted for a season-high 18 runs on a season-high 20 hits Friday night to take game four of the series over Cedar Rapids 18-2.

The Cubs' offense got going right away in the bottom of the first inning. After a lead-off single, Matt Shaw crushed a two-run home run to put South Bend ahead 2-0. After the homer, the following five batters all singled, scoring three more runs to open the Cubs advantage to 5-0.

In the top of the second, the Kernels got a run back. Kenoi Cavaco picked up a two-out walk, then the next batter, Kyler Fedko, ripped an RBI triple to put Cedar Rapids on the board and make it 5-1.

In the bottom of the second, Shaw and Kevin Alcantara smashed back-to-back home runs to open the inning to increase the Cubs' edge to 7-1.

In the third, Luis Verdugo opened the inning with a solo home run, and later in the inning, Shaw added his fourth RBI of the game with an RBI double to set South Bend ahead 9-1.

In the fourth inning, a single led off the frame, then the next batter, Felix Stevens, lifted a two-run homer to put the Cubs up ten runs at 11-1.

Cedar Rapids got back on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning. A Noah Cardenas walk and a Carson McCusker hit-by-pitch put two on, and after a ground out moved them both into scoring position, Cardenas scored on a wild pitch to make it an 11-2 game.

In the bottom of the sixth frame, South Bend scored four more times on a walk, double and three singles to open the lead to 15-2.

In the seventh, a single, walk and a double opened up the inning, scoring two runs, and a wild pitch scored a third to give the Cubs an 18-2 lead, which would be the final.

The loss for the Kernels (73-45) evens the series with South Bend (51-65) at two wins apiece. Game five of the series is set for tomorrow at 6:05 with Zebby Matthews on the mound opposite Luis Devers.