South Bend Cubs catcher Ian Rice homered twice in Saturday’s doubleheader against the West Michigan Whitecaps. (Photo courtesy of the South Bend Cubs)

The South Bend Cubs got a pair of two-run homers from Ian Rice as they swept a Saturday doubleheader against the West Michigan Whitecaps, winning by the scores of 10-3 and 2-1.

That ended the Whitecaps’ winning streak at 10 games and gave the Cubs back a share of first place in the Eastern Division. The Lake County Captains also won Saturday, moving them within a half-game of first place.

Rice homered in both games of the doubleheader. That was enough offense to win the nightcap. Cubs RHP Casey Bloomquist got the win after giving up only one run on five hits and a balk in five innings. He walked none and struck out none.

The Cubs got significantly more offense in the first game. In addition to Rice’s homer, South Bend got three hits each from Donnie Dewees and Carlos Sepulveda. Dewees drove in three runs.

Esparza Ks 10 for Captains

The Captains beat the Great Lakes Loons 4-1 behind a strong start by right-hander Matt Esparza, who struck out 10 and gave up only one hit and two walks in six scoreless innings.

Lake County’s Anthony Miller and Great Lakes’ Jake Henson homered. Loons righty Dennis Santana took the loss, dropping to 0-7 despite posting a 2.77 ERA this season.

Two Allemand streaks end

Blake Allemand went 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch Saturday, ending the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers infielder’s hitting streak at 12 games. He entered the game having gotten a hit in each of his last eight plate appearances.

The Timber Rattlers won the game 5-1 over the Kane County Cougars, partly thanks to two homers hit by Monte Harrison. Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Matt Garza made his second rehab start for Wisconsin, giving up one run on two hits and a walk in 4.1 innings.

Garza is scheduled to pitch one more time for the Timber Rattlers, versus the Clinton LumberKings on Thursday at Fox Cities Stadium.

Brewers pitcher Matt Garza (exiting dugout) made another rehab start for the Timber Rattlers on Saturday, which was Star Wars Night at Fox Cities Stadium. (Photo tweeted by NBC26 sports reporter Andy McDonnell)