IL Iowa Cubs

I-Cubs Battle Past Bats in Opener

Published on August 9, 2022 under International League (IL)
Iowa Cubs News Release


DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Cubs (48-58) won the series opener against the Louisville Bats (43-63) on Tuesday at Principal Park, knocking a season-high six doubles to secure a 4-2 victory.

Matt Swarmer got the start for Iowa and made it count. He sent the Bats down one-two-three in the first inning, allowed a single each in the second and the third, then finished his outing with a one-two-three fourth. At the end of Swarmer's four innings, the Bats had collected just two hits and struck out six times.

On the other side, the I-Cubs had better luck against Louisville starter, Levi Stoudt. After stranding a runner in the first and going hitless in the second, they locked in in the third. Jared Young led off the inning with a double, Luis Vazquez followed with a single, and then Darius Hill drove in both runners with a double of his own. Alfonso Rivas kept the line moving with another double, scoring another run, before Narciso Crook capped it off with the fourth double and the fourth RBI of the inning.

The I-Cubs held their 4-0 lead until the fifth inning, when the Bats drove in their first run of the game. They used a single from Stuart Fairchild, a double from Ronnie Dawson, and an RBI groundout from Miguel Hernandez to cut Iowa's lead to three.

With both bullpens taking over from there, the scoring ground to a halt. After allowing the run in the fifth, Blake Whitney spun a scoreless sixth. Jonathan Holder followed up with a scoreless seventh, then Brendon Little pitched around a leadoff triple to keep the Bats off the board in the eighth. Meanwhile, a trio of Louisville relievers limited the I-Cubs to one baserunner each in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.

Ben Leeper took over for Iowa in the ninth, in search of his fifth save of the season. The Bats made some noise against him, scoring a run on two singles, but he stopped the damage there, striking out pinch hitter Isiah Gilliam to complete the save and the 4-2 victory for Iowa.

POSTGAME NOTES:

Matt Swarmer's four-inning start was his longest outing since June 21, when he started for Chicago, and his first scoreless outing since July 12.

The I-Cubs hit six doubles tonight, tying their season high in a game this year.

Luis Vazquez went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in his first game with Iowa this season.

Blake Whitney was credited with the win, his first of the season with Iowa.

Iowa will continue their series against Louisville tomorrow with the second game of the six-game set. First pitch between the I-Cubs and the Bats is set for 6:38. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.

Check out the Iowa Cubs Statistics

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International League Stories from August 9, 2022


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