SOUTH BEND — The record-setting South Bend Cubs opened the home portion of their 2017 schedule with a 2-0 loss to West Michigan in Midwest League baseball Saturday night.

The Cubs, who set a new opening night attendance record with 6,843 fans through the turnstile, are still looking for their first run of the season.

South Bend is now 0-3 with all three games coming against the Whitecaps, who have held the Cubs scoreless for 32 consecutive innings.

On a night that was supposed to be a celebration not only of the South Bend Cubs’ record-setting 2016 season and its playoff run, but also of its parent club’s world championship, a name that everyone is familiar with spoiled the day.

Cam Gibson, son of legendary Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson, singlehandedly ruined the Cubs’ home opener as he homered and tripled for the Whitecaps, who are an affiliate of the Tigers.

Gibson, who came into the game 0-for-23 to start the season, hit a solo home run off of losing pitcher Dylan Cease in the third inning and tripled and scored in the fifth inning to account for both West Michigan runs.

Spencer Watkins pitched five strong innings for the Whitecaps before giving way to Alfred Gutierrez in the sixth inning. The two combined to allow four hits.

Watkins picked up the victory with Gutierrez earning the save.

Luis Ayala, Wladimire Galindo, Alberto Mineio and Vimael Machin all singled for the Cubs, who hosted the Whitecaps again Sunday afternoon.

South Bend hits the road for three games at Fort Wayne beginning Monday and then back to Comstock Park to face the Whitecaps four three games beginning Thursday.

The Cubs return home to start a seven-game home stand against Great Lakes (April 17-19) and Dayton (April 20-23).

The Chicago Cubs World Series trophy will make an appearance at Four Winds Field April 20.

 

WEST MICHIGAN 2, SOUTH BEND 0

At South Bend

West Michigan           001     010     000 – 2 7 1

South Bend                000     000     000 – 0 4 1

Spenser Watkins (W, 1-0), Alfred Gutierrez (6, S); Dylan Cease (L, 0-1), Matt Swarmer (5).

3B: Cam Gibson (WM)

HR: Gibson.

Records: West Michigan 3-0, South Bend 0-3.