PCL1 Iowa Cubs

Cubs Walk off against Storm Chasers

Published on June 5, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release


After surrendering an eight run lead, the Iowa Cubs (27-30) scored a run in their last at bat to defeat the Omaha Storm Chasers (31-26) 9-8 Sunday afternoon at Principal Park. Iowa has won the first two games of this series, and closed Omaha's division lead to four games.

Fernando Perez used his speed in the bottom half of the first inning to get the Cubs on the board early. On a bunt single attempt, Omaha pitcher Jeff Suppan tried to shove the ball to first base for the out, but instead sent it into the visitor's bullpen. Perez was credited with a single, and moved all the way to third on the error. Bryan LaHair knocked in the first run of the game on a single, scoring Perez.

It was Perez again in the third inning, making things happen on the bases. He reached on a fielders choice, and put himself in scoring position by stealing second. After an intentional walk to LaHair, Welington Castillo step to the plate but fell behind in the count quickly. He would battle back from an 0-2 count and lift a broken bat single to center, scoring Perez. The next batter, Scott Moore, also extended an 0-2 count back into his favor and ripped a two-run double into the right field corner.

LaHair broke the game open with two outs in the home half of the fourth inning. He blasted a three-run homer off the top of the center field wall and out of the park, putting the Cubs up 8-0. With Cubs' starter Casey Coleman cruising, the shot figured to be the knockout blow, but Omaha would respond.

After walking Omaha's leadoff man, Jarrod Dyson to begin the game, Coleman settled in to retire the next 15 batters he faced. In the sixth, Lance Zawadzki broke up Coleman's no-hit bit with an inside-out swing that produced a double just inside the left field line to start the inning. After a walk, Dyson reached again on a fielders choice. He stole second, and Omaha got their first run when Cubs' catcher Chris Robinson's throw went into center. Dyson came in to score on a Johnny Giavotella ground out.

Coleman gave way to the bullpen after six innings. He gave up two runs (one earned) on one hit, and struck out seven. He did not factor in the decision, as the Storm Chasers scored eight unanswered runs off Cubs‘ relief pitchers.

Jeff Stevens and John Gaub combined to pitch one inning, and gave up six earned runs on seven hits. Kila Ka'aihue launched a two-run home run off Gaub to tie the game at eight in the top of the eight. It was his first homer as a Storm Chaser.

In the bottom of the ninth, Perez reached base for the fourth time in the game with a one-out single. He moved to third base on a Scales single. Matt Camp, who entered the game on defense in the eight inning, delivered the game winner. He singled to left and scored Perez.

Jeremy Jeffress was charged with the loss for Omaha. Marcos Mateo (1-1) picked up the win after he pitched an inning and two-thirds and did not allow a hit or run.

Game three is set for tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Vin Mazzaro (3-0, 4.06) is scheduled to start for the Storm Chasers, and the Cubs will send Jay Jackson (2-4, 6.47) to the mound.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 5, 2011


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