When Josh Kross delivered a walk-off double for the Peoria Chiefs at Dozer Park on , the 5,060‑strong crowd erupted as the team edged the South Bend Cubs 3‑2 in extra innings.
Series Overview and Stakes
The three‑game Peoria leg of the Midwest League series had been a swing‑and‑miss for South Bend. After a brutal 21‑2 drubbing on Wednesday, the Cubs were desperate to claw back some dignity. For the Chiefs, however, the matchup represented a chance to cement a late‑season surge; at 33‑44 they were still within striking distance of a .500 record.
Both clubs entered Thursday’s game with their starting pitchers on rehab or development assignments. Brandon Birdsell, the top prospect in the Chicago Cubs’ system, took the mound for South Bend. Meanwhile, the Chiefs leaned on Chen‑Wei Lin, the St. Louis Cardinals’ No. 13 prospect, hoping his four‑strikeout frame would keep the Chiefs in the game.
Key Moments and Play‑by‑Play
The action kicked off with the Chiefs striking first in the bottom of the second. Catcher Graysen Tarlow singled after a double by Chase Adkison, and the runner zipped home for a 1‑0 lead.
South Bend answered in the third. Shortstop Jefferson Rojas kept his 15‑game on‑base streak alive with a single, and designated hitter Cristian Hernandez followed with a double that tied the game. A clutch RBI single by catcher Miguel Pabon gave the Cubs a 2‑1 edge.
Both pitchers settled in, each delivering four solid innings. Birdsell permitted two runs (one unearned) and fanned five, while Lin matched him with seven strikeouts and two runs allowed. The deadlock held until the bottom of the tenth, when Kross lofted a double to left, scoring the ghost runner from second and sealing the victory.
Pitching Performances
Birdsell’s rehab stint was a reminder of why the Cubs protect his arm. He mixed a high‑45 fastball with a sharp breaking curve, keeping hitters off‑balance. The unearned run that crept in came from a fielding lapse, not his command.
Lin, on the other hand, showed why the Cardinals rank him 13th in their prospect pool. His change‑up dropped into the zone at 78 mph, fooling the Chiefs’ middle of the order. Seven strikeouts in four innings is a line that would turn heads at any level.
Cubs’ Offensive Highlights
Despite the loss, the Cubs displayed glimmers of promise. Rojas’ 15‑game on‑base streak is the longest for a South Bend player this season, and Hernandez’s 16‑game streak nudged him into contention for a league‑wide hitting award. Both have been instrumental in keeping the Cubs competitive after the June slump.
What’s odd is how quickly the momentum shifted. After the 21‑run avalanche, the Cubs seemed poised for a comeback, yet the Chiefs’ disciplined defense and timely hitting throttled any rally.
What the Win Means for Peoria
At 33‑44, the Chiefs catapulted to a three‑game winning streak, their longest run since early May. The sweep not only steadied their climb toward a .500 finish but also gave the front office a data point on how their top prospects perform under pressure.
Fans responded with a roar that echoed through Dozer Park’s brick‑arched grandstand. Ticket sales have risen 12 % since the series began, and local radio stations reported a spike in community chatter about the Chiefs’ playoff hopes.
Looking Ahead to South Bend
The series shifts to Four Winds Field for the final three games over the weekend. The Cubs will need to dig deep after two consecutive defeats, especially as their bullpen is already taxed from Wednesday’s 21‑run effort.
South Bend’s manager, Tommy Hayes, hinted at a roster shuffle, possibly promoting another rehab pitcher to keep Birdsell fresh. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will likely ride the momentum of Kross’s heroics, perhaps inserting him higher in the lineup to maximize run production.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
Dozer Park’s intimate setting made the tension palpable. Fans could hear the crack of the bat when Kross connected, and the collective gasp that followed the ball’s trajectory was captured on dozens of smartphone videos. The energy was amplified by a local high‑school marching band playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh‑inning stretch, a tradition that the Chiefs have kept alive for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Peoria Chiefs’ playoff chances?
The victory lifts Peoria to 33‑44, keeping them within five games of the Midwest League’s wildcard spot. If they continue winning at this rate, a postseason berth becomes a realistic goal.
What led to the South Bend Cubs’ back‑to‑back losses?
A combination of pitching fatigue and defensive miscues hurt the Cubs. The 21‑run loss exposed bullpen depth issues, while the extra‑innings defeat highlighted a lack of clutch hitting beyond Rojas and Hernandez.
Who are the prospects to watch from both teams?
For South Bend, right‑hander Brandon Birdsell continues to climb the Cubs’ prospect ladder. Peoria’s left‑hander Chen‑Wei Lin is a Cardinals favorite, while outfielder Josh Kross is emerging as a clutch hitter.
When and where will the next games be played?
The series shifts to Four Winds Field in South Bend for Games 4‑6 on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6, 2025. Kickoff times are slated for 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM local time.
What does the crowd attendance tell us about local support?
A crowd of 5,060 – roughly 78 % of Dozer Park’s capacity – indicates strong community interest. Ticket sales have risen 12 % since the series began, suggesting the Chiefs’ recent run is resonating with fans.
