Cubs Can't Overcome RedHawks' Big Innings
Published on June 2, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma City RedHawks (33-23) scored four runs in the third inning and seven runs in the seventh to beat the Iowa Cubs (25-30) 11-8 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark tonight. The RedHawks extend their winning streak to five games while the Cubs have lost three straight.
The Cubs jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and knocked RedHawks' starter Aneury Rodriguez out of the game after two batters in the third. Brett Jackson had a triple and a double in his first two at-bats to spur the offense. Dave Sappelt, Ty Wright, Luis Valbuena, and Matt Tolbert each had an RBI.
The RedHawks' pulled to within one with four runs against Cubs' starter Rodrigo Lopez in the third inning. Former I-Cub Scott Moore had an RBI double and Mike Hessman drove in two with a double of his own in the frame.
The Cubs extended their lead when Josh Vitters led off the top of the fifth with a solo homer off Jonathan Aristil. It was Vitters' ninth home run of the season and his fourth in his last six games. Vitters added an RBI double in the seventh and Blake Lalli delivered a sacrifice fly to give the Cubs an 8-4 lead going into the seventh-inning stretch.
Ryan Rowland-Smith had retired the RedHawks in order in the sixth and came back out for the seventh. With one out, a double, a walk, and a hit batter loaded the bases before Brett Wallace unloaded them with a grand slam to left that tied the game. It was the first grand slam allowed by the Cubs this season.
The Cubs then turned to Mike MacDougal, who got Hessman to hit a popup on the infield, but Valbuena and Tolbert had a miscommunication and the ball dropped between them near second base to put Hessman at first. Former I-Cub Brad Snyder followed with a double to right. After an intentional walk, a passed ball charged on Lalli allowed Hessman to score the go-ahead run. With two outs, Brandon Barnes added a two-run single to complete the rally.
The Cubs rallied back against Mickey Storey in the top of the eighth. Jackson doubled and Valbuena walked to bring Anthony Rizzo to the plate as the potential tying run. Rizzo had already doubled, singled, and scored twice in the game. He hit the ball sharply, but right at Hessman at first, who started an inning-ending double play.
Jose Valdez struck out two in the top of the ninth an earned his 12th save of the season. Juan Abreu (1-2) finished the top of the seventh and was credited with the win. MacDougal (0-1) was charged with the loss.
The Cubs and RedHawks continue this series tomorrow night at 6:05 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. LH Brooks Raley (1-1, 4.50) is scheduled to pitch for the Cubs against LH Dallas Kuechel (5-4, 4.19) for the RedHawks. The game will be broadcast live on AM 940 with the On-Deck Circle Pre-Game Show starting at 5:45.
Pacific Coast League Stories from June 2, 2012
- RedHawks Keep Streak Alive With Wild 11-8 Win - Oklahoma City Comets
- Cubs Can't Overcome RedHawks' Big Innings - Iowa Cubs
- Bases Loaded Hit by Pitch Allows Sox to Walk-Off with Win - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Omaha Shuts out Memphis, 3-0, on Saturday - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Colorado Springs wins over Tucson - Tucson Padres
- Sounds Blank Zephyrs 8-0 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Round Rock Express Edge Isotopes 3-2 - Round Rock Express
- Sounds End Losing Streak with 8-0 Shutout of Z's - Nashville Sounds
- Sounds End Losing Streak with 8-0 Shutout of Z's - Nashville Sounds
- Isotopes Fall to Express in Series Opener, 3-2 - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Cubs Activate Rodrigo Lopez - Iowa Cubs
- RedHawks Game Notes: June 2, 2012 - Oklahoma City Comets
- Round Rock Express - Game Notes vs. Albuquerque Isotopes - Round Rock Express
- No Tickets Remain for Tonight's Game - Round Rock Express
- Aces Walk-Off with Series Sweep over Tacoma - Reno Aces
- River Cats Beat Grizzlies 10-7, Take Series 3-1 - Sacramento River Cats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
