Cubs Edge Sounds In Series Finale, 5-4 In Twelve
Published on April 14, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release
NASHVILLE - Iowa first baseman Jake Fox delivered a two-out RBI single in the top of the twelfth inning on Monday evening at Greer Stadium to give the visiting Cubs a 5-4 victory over the Nashville Sounds in the finale of a four-game series.
In the top of the twelfth, Luis Figueroa reached with one out after Sounds catcher Vinny Rottino mishandled a swinging third strike and was charged with a passed ball. After a groundout and Matt Murton walk, Tim Dillard was summoned to face Fox, who ripped a 1-0 offering through the right side of the infield to plate Figueroa with the game-winning run.
Cubs reliever Neal Cotts (2-0) worked two scoreless frames to earn the win for Iowa, while Stetter (0-1) took the loss after giving up the game-deciding run in unearned fashion his 1 1/3 innings.
Both teams' first extra-inning contest of the year was made possible by Sounds third baseman Russell Branyan, who tied the contest at 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth when he led off the frame with his 200th career minor league home run, an opposite-field solo shot to left off Cubs reliever Jose Ascanio.
Branyan finished 2-for-5 with a pair of extra-base hits and has hit safely in 10 of his 12 contests this season while posting a team-leading .405 average.
Right-hander Yovani Gallardo made his third rehabilitation start for Nashville while recovering from left knee surgery. He worked 6 1/3 innings and allowed four runs on seven hits while throwing 106 pitches (61 strikes). Four of the seven hits against him went for extra bases. Gallardo struck out seven and walked three batters.
Through three rehab outings, Gallardo has an 0-1 record and 5.17 ERA (9er/15.2ip).
Fox put the visitors up 2-0 in the top of the second innings with a towering two-run home run to right field off Gallardo. The blast, which scored Josh Kroeger, was Fox's third home run of the year.
The Cubs added a pair of runs in the third against Gallardo on RBI doubles from Kroeger and Casey McGehee, doubling the Iowa lead to 4-0.
The Sounds pulled with a run at 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh with a two-out rally against Cubs reliever Les Walrond. Brad Nelson drew an inning-opening walk and Laynce Nix singled before the lefty retired the next two Nashville batters.
Steve Sollmann, who had two hits in 23 at-bats to open the year, ripped a two-run double down the left field line to halve the Iowa lead. Brendan Katin followed with a first-pitch RBI triple that glanced off the glove of diving second baseman Eric Patterson in short right field, allowing Sollmann to make it a one-run contest.
With his second run-scoring pinch-hit knock in as many nights, Katin extended the Sounds' longest active hitting streak to five games and registered his team-leading sixth RBI of the year.
Iowa starter Mark Holliman worked six shutout innings, allowing only three hits while striking out six batters, but took a no-decision following the late blown save.
The Sounds continue their opening homestand on Tuesday when they welcome the division-rival Omaha Royals to town for the 6 p.m. opener of a four-game series. Left-hander Chris Narveson (0-2, 4.50) will man the bump for the Sounds and face Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar (0-1, 3.97).
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 14, 2008
- Sky Sox And Rainiers Split Series As Tacoma Wins 9-4 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Omaha shuts down 'Birds - Memphis Redbirds
- Z's lose on walkoff homer - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Cubs Edge Sounds In Series Finale, 5-4 In Twelve - Nashville Sounds
- Matsui to Join Express On the Road - Round Rock Express
- Sidewinders rally for much needed win - Tucson Sidewinders
- Hoover hands 'Topes walk-off win - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Oregon State, Portland Pilots set for Tuesday clash at PGE Park - Portland Beavers
- Two Former Omaha Players Share American League Honors - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Sidewinders Strike Against Fresno Bullpen In Win - Fresno Grizzlies
- Bees Strike Late To Edge Beavers In Series Finale - Portland Beavers
- Brown Named PCL Hitter Of The Week - Salt Lake Bees
- Omaha Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Zephyrs Begin Second Homestand Tomorrow - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
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