Cubs Edge Express, Seek Sweep
June 16, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Cubs defeated the Round Rock Express for their fifth consecutive win tonight, 3-1. Bryan LaHair and Jason Dubois connected on back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory for the I-Cubs. The Cubs have now defeated the Express in the first four games of this five game series at Principal Park. With the win, the Cubs move to 36-30 on the season, tying their high watermark of six wins over .500. The game was played in front of a crowd of 6,829.
Mitch Atkins got the starting nod for the Cubs tonight. Atkins was scratched from his scheduled start last Friday in Memphis and was called up by the Chicago Cubs. He did not appear in a game in Chicago, and was optioned back to Iowa yesterday. Tonight's start was his first since June 5th at home against New Orleans. Despite the extra rest, Atkins pitched very well. He tossed five innings, giving up four hits, one run, two walks, while walking four and receiving a no-decision.
John Gaub (3-1, 3.52) pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Atkins to pick up his third win of the season. He gave up one hit, one walk and struck out two. The Cubs got on the board in the bottom of the first inning. Sam Fuld led off the game with a walk, and was doubled in by Darwin Barney during the next at-bat, giving the Cubs an early 1-0 lead.
The Express were able to strike for a run in the top of the fourth. Brian Bogusevic singled to lead off the inning. The next batter, Chris Johnson, struck out, and was ejected by home plate umpire Jason Arends for arguing balls and strikes. It was the second ejection Arends has made in this series. In game one on Monday, Arends ejected Iowa hitting coach Von Joshua. Following the ejection, Jason Castro rocketed a double into the right field corner, scoring Bogusevic, and tying the score at one.
With one out in the bottom of the sixth, LaHair untied the score with a solo shot to left, giving the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Dubois followed LaHair with a blast that cleared the suites in left-center field, increasing the lead to 3-1.
The Express mounted a rally in the top of the eighth inning. Iowa pitcher Scott Maine entered the game in relief of Gaub and allowed the first two batters to reach base. Maine was able to get the next two batters out before surrendering a single to Drew Meyer, scoring Bogusevic, and cutting it to a 3-2 lead. Brian Schlitter then came in to replace Maine, and gave up a single to Yordany Ramirez, loading the bases with two outs. Schlitter was able to coax pinch hitter Brian Esposito to ground out and get out of the jam.
With two outs in the top of the ninth, Bogusevic reached on a throwing error, followed by a Cabral single. Schlitter was able to strike out Castro and shut the door for his 10th save of the season.
The Cubs will go for the five-game sweep over the Express tomorrow. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. RH Jay Jackson (3-5, 2.90) will get the ball for Iowa and he will be opposed by Bud Norris (0-0, 0.00) making a rehab start.
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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 16, 2010
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- RedHawks Top Zephyrs in Doubleheader - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
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- Chase Wright Tosses One-Hit Shutout for Sounds - Nashville Sounds
- Z's Get Swept in Doubleheader - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Angels Recall O'Sullivan - Salt Lake Bees
- Lerew Promoted to KC as Hochevar Hits DL - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Father's Day Celebration Highlights Nine-Game Homestand - Portland Beavers
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- First-Place Grizzlies Hold Beavers To Two Runs In Win - Portland Beavers
- River Cats Top Reno 4-1 - Reno Aces
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