LocalSportsJournal.com

The West Michigan Whitecaps were unable to hold on to an early lead Sunday, falling 5-3 to South Bend on the road.

The Whitecaps jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Jordan Pearce doubled home Jose Azocar and Colby Bortles singled home Pearce.

That 2-0 lead didn’t hold however as South Bend responded with two runs of their own in the first inning.

South Bend led 5-2 after eight innings before a late Whitecap rally fell short in the ninth inning when Reynaldo Rivera tripled home Azocar.

Joey Morgan led the Whitecaps with two hits on the day while starting pitcher Dane Myers took a no-decision, allowing two runs on two hits in 5 and 1/3 innings. Myers also struck out six batters.

The Whitecaps are now 26-23 on the year and in third place of the Midwest League Eastern Division, 5 and ½ games behind first place Lansing.

West Michigan will wrap up its series at South Bend on Monday at 2:05 p.m.