PCL1 Iowa Cubs

Cubs Offense Dormant in Loss to Rainiers

Published on May 24, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release


DES MOINES --Iowa fell to Tacoma in the final series of their home stand in a 7-2 loss to Tacoma Thursday afternoon. After three straight quality starts, Chris Rusin struggled, surrendering four runs (three earned) on seven hits and four walks while fanning two, suffering his fourth loss. Brian Sweeney earned his first win on the year.

Carlos Peguero put Tacoma (20-27) on the board early with a solo shot to right in the first. Peguero was 7-for-15 in the series against the Cubs (19-27), with four home runs, good for half of his season total. Tacoma tacked on another run in the second with Chih-Hsien Chiang reaching on an error by Rusin and later scoring on a Trayvon Robinson sacrifice fly.

Rusin's struggles continue in the third, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in the inning. Anthony Rizzo and Juan Apodaca worked together to flash some leather, gunning down an unforced runner at home to save another from scoring in the third.

The Cubs could not keep the offense rolling against Tacoma's starter Sweeney. The righty held Iowa scoreless through six innings, surrendering just three hits while fanning two. Iowa took advantage of the Tacoma bullpen, doubling their hit total in the seventh inning.

1B Anthony Rizzo and SS Luis Valbuena welcomed Rainiers' reliever Chance Ruffin with back-to-back doubles to put Iowa on the board in the seventh. Slumping CF Brett Jackson broke out Thursday, (2-for-4) legging out an infield single to short, to drive in Valbuena and bring the Cubs within three. Jackson added another infield hit in the ninth after a second Valbuena double, but the Cubs could not complete the comeback.

Manny Corpas tossed three innings in relief, only allowing his lead off walk in the sixth inning to score. The right-handed reliever retired the Rainiers in order for the first time in the game in the seventh. Nate Robertson worked two relief innings and allowed Tacoma to extend their lead, letting up two two-out runs in the ninth.

Ty Wright was one of three I-Cubs with a multi-hit game, with two singles but was cut down at second base on fielder's choices both times. 3B Josh Vitters (0-for-4) snapped his seven game hitting streak. Making his first start in left, Blake DeWitt exited after the third after diving while attempting to catch a tailing fly ball down the line.

Iowa heads on the road tomorrow to open a twelve-game trip with stops in Memphis, Omaha, and Oklahoma City. The Cubs will start their first of three road series with a 7:05 p.m. start in Memphis Friday. Rodrigo Lopez (1-0) will toe the rubber for the Cubs facing off against the Redbirds' Joe Kelley (1-5).Fans can tune in to Iowa Cubs action with Deene Ehlis and Randy Wehofer on AM 940 with the pregame show beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Check out the Iowa Cubs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from May 24, 2012


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.

OurSports Central