Stu, the South Bend Cubs mascot, spent Friday morning visiting with patients, visitors and staff at Michiana Hematology Oncology. It was Stu’s first public appearance, following his introduction last week as the team’s new mascot.

Team leaders say he will be a highly visible member of the community.

“Any time there’s an opportunity for Stu to be a part of a community event, or visit an organization, we want him there,” said Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs. “A mascot is so much more than being the team’s biggest cheerleader; it’s also about being a visible, positive influence in the community. Stu not only represents the South Bend Cubs but will be Michiana’s greatest ambassador.”

“We’re excited to have Stu here,” said Gena Oake, Clinical Operations Manager at Michiana Hematology Oncology. “As caregivers, we’re touched when others understand the need for a bright spot in what is typically a long, tiring day for patients in our chemo room.”

As far as the South Bend Cubs on the ball field, the bats busted loose Friday night and every starter scored, as the South Bend Cubs stomped the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, 11-3, and snapped a four-game losing streak at Parkview Field in the series finale.

South Bend exploded for 11 runs on 14 hits (all singles) and nine walks, scoring three in the second, three in the third, one in the fourth and four in the fifth. The support was plentiful for Cubs starter Erick Leal, who turned in five innings of one-run ball (six hits, two walks, three strikeouts). The Cubs finish their road trip 2-4 and avoid what would have been the franchise’s first five-game losing streak since August 2013.

With its six-game road trip complete, South Bend returns home Saturday for the first of three against the Great Lakes Loons, First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. Cubs righty Zach Hedges (1-0, 3.60 ERA) will oppose Loons righty Grant Holmes (0-0, 9.82 ERA).