PCL1 Iowa Cubs

I-Cubs Down 'Topes in Extras

Published on May 29, 2016 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release


DES MOINES - Albuquerque (22-27) took the early lead with three first-inning runs, but the Iowa Cubs (21-26) fought back to claim a 4-3, walk-off win in 11 innings, Saturday night at Principal Park.

Right-hander Carlos Jeff Hoffman got the start for the Isotopes and tossed 7.0 innings, allowing three earned runs off five hits, no walks and six strikeouts. He held the I-Cubs scoreless until the third inning when John Andreoli sent a ball over the left-field wall for his sixth homer of the year.

Trailing 1-3 in the bottom of the sixth, Andreoli sent a ball down the left-field line and hustled into second with a strong slide to break up the throw and reach safely. Willson Contreras followed with a double to right-center that brought in Andreoli to pull the I-Cubs within one.

In the bottom of the seventh, Logan Watkins drove a shot into the right-field corner and cruised into third for his first triple of the season. With the infield drawn in to try to keep the tying run from scoring, David Bote ripped a ball down the first-base line to bring in Watkins and tie the game.

Watkins continued his success by giving the I-Cubs a chance to end the game in the ninth with a two-out double. The Isotopes then intentionally walked Bote to put runners on first and second for Munenori Kawasaki. Left-handed reliever Jason Gurka halted the I-Cubs' momentum by striking out Kawasaki and sending the game into extra innings.

In the bottom of the eleventh, Matt Murton reached on an infield single to spark a rally for the I-Cubs. Watkins followed Murton with a base hit before Bote cracked a screamer up the middle that was too much for the Isotopes' closer Simon Castro to handle to load the bags for Iowa. Juan Perez came in to pinch-hit and drove a single on a 1-0 pitch to score Murton and put the game in the books.

Michael Wagner was given the ball for his fourth start as an I-Cub this season and threw a season-high 4.2 innings. Wagner allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks, and struck out two batters. Armando Rivero improved to 3-1 on the season after taking the win. Iowa's bullpen combined to toss 6.2 scoreless innings, which included Rivero's 2.0-inning, hitless outing.

Andreoli, Watkins and Bote all gave the I-Cubs multi-hit nights. Andreoli finished the night 2-for-4 with two runs, one RBI and one walk. Watkins finished 3-for-4 with a run and Bote went 2-for-4 with one RBI and one walk.

The I-Cubs take on Albuquerque for game three of the four-game series at 1:08 p.m., Sunday at Principal Park. For more information or tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 29, 2016


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