(South Bend) — September is a long ways off, but the South Bend Cubs know they’ll be busy.

Saturday night, the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs clinched their first playoff berth since 2022 with a 6-4 triumph over the Peoria Chiefs at Four Winds Field.

Josiah Hartshorn, Jose Escobar and Justin Stransky all belted first-inning homers as South Bend scored five in the first and never looked back. The victory clinches the Midwest League West Division title in the first half, as the Cubs win a first-half title for the first time in 10 years.

Daniel Wasinger’s squad raises its record to 37-21 for the season, closing the series with Peoria Sunday afternoon at 2:05.