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Memphis Redbirds

Cubs Avoid Sweep with Walkoff Win over Memphis, 4-3

April 6, 2014 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Memphis Redbirds News Release


DES MOINES, Iowa - Chris Valaika hit a walkoff RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Iowa Cubs a 4-3 win over the Memphis Redbirds in the finale of a four-game series on Sunday afternoon at Principal Park.

With one out and Matt Szczur on second base after an inning-opening walk and wild pitch by Lee Stoppelman (0-1), Logan Watkins moved Szczur to third on an infield groundout, prompting Redbirds manager Pop Warner to issue a double switch for pitcher Heath Wyatt and employ five infielders. Valaika then crushed a game-winning pop fly to the centerfield warning track between the two Redbirds outfielders.

Memphis took three of four from Iowa in the series and outscored the Cubs by a 33-7 margin. Iowa scored three of its runs in the final three frames and led for only two innings in the series.

The Redbirds' 3-1 start on the season is the best opening since the 2005 club began 3-1.

First baseman Xavier Scruggs went 3-for-4 with a triple, one RBI, and one run scored. Outfielder Stephen Piscotty added two hits. Shortstop Greg Garcia recorded a hit for the fourth straight game and has produced four extra-base hits in the last three games (2 HR, 2 3B).

Memphis capitalized on a couple of Cubs mistakes in the opening frame to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Outfielder Randal Grichuk reached on a two-out throwing error by pitcher Eric Jokisch and scored the game's first run on a Piscotty's double. Next batter Scruggs then recorded his first Triple-A RBI with bloop single to right.

Iowa answered with a run in the bottom of the first as Arismendy Alcantara hit a one-out double off the left field wall. Two batters later, he came home to score on a Josh Vitters single.

The Redbirds remained in the lead until Cubs prospect Javier Baez hit a game-tying, pinch-hit home run over the left field wall off Jorge Rondon in the bottom of the seventh.

Iowa took its first lead of the season thanks to back-to-back singles to begin the eighth and chase Rondon from the game. Later in the frame after an intentional walk, Stoppelman walked Luis Flores with the bases loaded to give the Cubs the 3-2 lead.

Memphis quickly tied the game in the top of the ninth as Scruggs began with a leadoff triple to right. Iowa's fourth error of the afternoon during Ed Easley's at-bat allowed Scruggs to come home and tie the game.

Lyons continued his dominance against Iowa in his career, limiting the Cubs to one run on five hits over six innings for a no-decision. The left-hander has recorded a 0.72 ERA (2er/25.0ip) over four career starts against Iowa since 2012.

In his Triple-A debut, Cubs starter Erick Jokisch allowed two unearned runs on six hits in seven innings in a no-decision. Zac Rosscup (1-0) pitched 2/3 of an inning for the win.

The Redbirds continue their season-opening road trip with a four-game series with the Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A Royals). Right-hander Scott McGregor (NR) will face Omaha right-hander Brett Tomko at 6:35 pm CT on Monday evening at Werner Park.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 6, 2014


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