Albuquerque Curse Continues for Cubs
April 7, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
Albuquerque, NM - Scott Van Slyke had four hits and five RBI to lead the Albuquerque Isotopes (3-0) to an 8-3 win over the Iowa Cubs (0-3) at Isotopes Park tonight. The Cubs have lost 12 straight games in Albuquerque, setting a new franchise record for most consecutive losses in one PCL city. The Cubs' last win in Albuquerque was June 19, 2011.
The 'Topes grabbed the early lead on a two-run double by Van Slyke in the bottom of the first, but the Cubs came back quickly to tie the game with two runs in the top of the second inning. With the bases loaded, pitcher Brooks Raley hit a chopper in the hole between shortstop and third base. The 'Topes got a force out at second base, but the relay to first sailed into the dugout for an error. Raley was credited with one RBI as Ryan Sweeney scored the first run and second baseman Elian Herrera was charged with an error that allowed J.C. Boscan to come home with the tying run.
The Cubs took a 3-2 lead in the top of the third when the all-Iowa connection produced a run. Algona native Brad Nelson lined a one-out double to right and scored on a two-out double by Sweeney, who hails from Cedar Rapids. Sweeney finished with three hits and drew a walk in his Iowa debut.
The 'Topes answered right back in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one out, Alex Castellanos walked, stole second, and scored on a base hit by Van Slyke. After a flyout, Rusty Ryal drove in Van Slyke with a double to the wall in right that put the 'Topes back on top at 4-3.
The score remained 4-3 until the eighth inning. With two outs in the top of the frame, Donnie Murphy reached on an infield single, went to third on a base hit by Sweeney, and 'Topes reliever Geison Aguasviva walked J.C. Boscan to load the bases. The Cubs didn't capitalize as Josh Wall came in and caught Edwin Maysonet looking for a inning-ending strikeout. The Cubs finished 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position in the game.
In the bottom of the eighth, the 'Topes had runners on first and second with two outs when former I-Cub Alfredo Amezaga rolled a base hit past a diving Brad Nelson at first base for an RBI off Zach Putnam. The Cubs made a pitching change to Rafael Dolis, but he couldn't stop the rally. Herrera greeted him with an RBI single and then stole second base. After a walk to Castellanos, Van Slyke finished his big night with a line drive just over a leaping Murphy at shortstop for a single that brought in the final two runs of the game.
In the top of the ninth, Darnell McDonald hit a line drive off the back of Wall's right shoulder and reached on an infield hit. After a visit from his coaching staff and trainer, Wall stayed in the game and gave up another single to Logan Watkins before inducing a double play and a groundout to end the game.
Raley (0-1) was charged with four runs on seven hits in four innings and the loss. 'Topes' starter Blake Johnson lasted only three innings, but was picked up by his bullpen. Chris Withrow (1-0) was the first of four Albuquerque relievers that combined for six shutout innings and was credited with the win. Wall earned his first save.
The Cubs and Isotopes wrap up this series tomorrow afternoon at 2:35 Central Time at Isotopes Park. RH Nick Struck will start for the Cubs against RH Javy Guerra for the 'Topes. The game will be broadcast live on AM 940 and streamed at iowacubs.com with the pre-game show starting at 2:15.
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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 7, 2013
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- Rainiers Foiled By Fresno, 5-4 - Tacoma Rainiers
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- Aces Earn Series Split with 14-1 Win - Reno Aces
- Sounds Fall to Zephyrs, 3-1 - Nashville Sounds
- Zephyrs Defeat Nashville 3-1 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Round Rock Falls to Omaha, 5-2 - Round Rock Express
- RedHawks Game Notes: April 7, 2013 - Oklahoma City Comets
- Albuquerque Curse Continues for Cubs - Iowa Cubs
- Topes Win Third in a Row Behind Van Slyke, Pen - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Peterson Returns, Cats Lose To 51s, 6-1 - Sacramento River Cats
- Zunino Leads Rainiers Past Fresno, 8-6 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Salt Lake wins over Tucson - Tucson Padres
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