PCL1 Iowa Cubs

Caratini Displays Walk off Heroics

Published on June 6, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release


DES MOINES, IA - Victor Caratini was the hero as a bases-loaded single in the ninth gave the Iowa Cubs (23-34) a 4-3 walk-off win over the Albuquerque Isotopes (30-29), Wednesday at Principal Park.

Iowa was rolling from the start, plating two in the first. Mike Freeman punched a one-out double and the I-Cubs got two on base as Taylor Davis walked. Efren Navarro batted in his 29th run of the season with a double and Caratini followed with an RBI groundout. It was enough to chase Albuquerque starter Antonio Senzatela from the game in the first.

Alec Mills added to his steady string of starts, giving Iowa a quality outing. He held the Isotopes scoreless through 3.0, before allowing the visiting team to lock the score 2-2 with a Josh Fuentes two-run blast.

Fuentes helped Albuquerque's cause again in the sixth, punching the first of back-to-back doubles with Jordan Patterson that plated the go-ahead run.

The score would hold until the ninth as Iowa's offense came through when it counted. Mark Zagunis was hit by a pitch to open the frame. Freeman legged out a bunt for a single and both runners moved up on a Davis sacrifice bunt. Navarro was internationally walked to set up the double-play ball, leaving the bases juiced for Caratini. The catcher launched a 1-2 pitch just inside the left field line to easily plate two and give Iowa the win.

Dakota Mekkes, called-up from Double-A Tennessee yesterday, made his Triple-A debut, walking one in an otherwise flawless eighth inning. Collectively, Iowa's bullpen, comprised of efforts from Mekkes, Justin Hancock and Dillon Maples, allowed just three base runners through 3.0 innings. Maples came away with his first win of the season.

Iowa and Albuquerque wrap the series at 7:08 p.m. tomorrow at Principal Park. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Taylor Davis bobblehead. For more information or tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 6, 2018


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