By Mike Monaco

SOUTH BEND – After being held hitless through four innings, Bowling Green bashed its way to a five-run fifth inning and throttled South Bend, 5-0, in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night at Four Winds Field in front of 7,855 fans — the second-largest attendance figure in South Bend franchise history.

The other 17 half-innings were all scoreless, as the Hot Rods (4-4 second half, 41-37 overall) claimed the first game in the home-and-home series with the Cubs (4-4 second half, 33-42 overall).

South Bend stranded 12 runners aboard the basepaths and went 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. First baseman Yasiel Balaguert (2-for-4), catcher Gioskar Amaya (2-for-3, hit by pitch) and center fielder Rashad Crawford (2-for-3) each posted multi-hit evenings.

After winning six of seven games, the Cubs have lost three consecutive tilts.

Cubs starter Erick Leal did not allow a hit through four innings, but Hot Rods catcher Mac James led off the fifth inning by doubling into the left-field corner. Leal surrendered four hits and two walks in his five stanzas.

Bowling Green struck in the top of the fifth inning. James and third baseman Carter Burgess cracked consecutive hits to start the frame, and designated hitter Grant Kay lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to score James, making it 1-0 Hot Rods. But Bowling Green then loaded the bases, and second baseman Riley Unroe unloaded with a grand slam to right field, suddenly stretching the lead to 5-0.

Cubs righty Daniel Lewis delivered three shutout innings from the bullpen, only giving up one hit and one walk.

South Bend loaded the bases in the ninth when Bowling Green reliever Damion Carroll issued three free passes, but the Cubs couldn’t avoid the shutout.

South Bend and Bowling Green meet Friday at 7:35 p.m. ET at Four Winds Field. Cubs right-hander Jake Stinnett (5.30 ERA) will oppose Hot Rods righty Hyrum Formo (5.18 ERA).