I-Cubs Drop Opener to Round Rock
June 23, 2017 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
ROUND ROCK, TX - The Iowa Cubs (31-42) dropped the series opener to the Round Rock Express (35-38) 4-1, Thursday at Dell Diamond. The I-Cubs were limited to just one run for the 12th time this season.
Iowa right-hander Zach Hedges (0-2) made his second career Triple-A start, lasting five innings. He gave up three earned runs on seven hits and a home run while walking one and striking out two. Round Rock designated hitter Will Middlebrooks hit his first of two home runs on the night off Hedges in the second to push the Express ahead 3-0, a deficit the I-Cubs could not overcome.
Iowa managed just one run against Round Rock right-handed starter David Ledbetter (1-0), who was making his Triple-A debut for the Express. The I-Cubs scored on a Victor Caratini sacrifice fly in the sixth, who recorded his team-leading 50th RBI of the season.
Round Rock's bullpen kept the I-Cubs off the board across 3.2 innings of work, with right-hander R.J. Alvarez recording his second save of the season. Iowa relievers Jack Leathersich, Conor Mullee and Manny Parra combined for three innings, with Mullee falling victim to Middlebrooks' second home run of the night, a solo shot in the eighth.
Jemile Weeks supplied Iowa's lone extra-base hit of the game, doubling in his first game back from the disabled list after missing a month of action. Jeimer Candelario went 3-for-4 with three singles, his third game of the season with at least three hits.
Iowa and Round Rock will meet for game two of the four-game series tomorrow night at 7:05. The I-Cubs return to Principal Park for an eight-game homestand beginning Monday, June 26. For more information or tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com .
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from June 23, 2017
- Isotopes, Rockies Extend Player Development Contract - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Sky Sox Close out June with Five-Game Series - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Aces Walk-Off on Rainiers, Go up Eight Games in Division - Reno Aces
- Middlebrooks Homers Twice in Express Win over Cubs - Round Rock Express
- Garcia, Bullpen Lead Sox to Win - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- I-Cubs Drop Opener to Round Rock - Iowa Cubs
- Sounds Drop Pair of Games in Oklahoma City - Nashville Sounds
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.
