IL Iowa Cubs

I-Cubs Hang on to Win Opener

Published on July 25, 2023 under International League (IL)
Iowa Cubs News Release


MEMPHIS, TN - The Iowa Cubs (57-38) improved to 21-3 in one-run games this year, taking game one of the series over the Memphis Redbirds (49-48) by a final score of 7-6, Tuesday at AutoZone Park.

Iowa got a run in the first on an RBI single from Matt Mervis, the lone run for either team through the first three frames. Ben Brown recorded another solid outing, tossing five innings of two-run ball.

The righty allowed just two hits while walking two and striking out three. His offense gave him some additional support in the fourth, getting a two-run single from Chase Strumpf and a two-run home run from P.J. Higgins.

Memphis got on the board in their half of the fourth, scoring two runs on an RBI triple by Masyn Winn and an RBI ground out from Luken Baker. It stayed 5-2 until the sixth, when Yonathan Perlaza clubbed a solo home run to bring Iowa's lead back to four.

Back-to-back solo home runs from Winn and Baker in the Redbirds half of the sixth made it 6-4, but Iowa fought right back. Luis Vazquez used an RBI single to grow the lead back to three, at 7-4.

They needed all seven runs as the Redbirds made it interesting in the ninth, getting an RBI single from Tres Barrera and a sacrifice fly from Richie Palacios, to make it 7-6. With the game tying run on second and the winning run on first, Cam Sanders recorded the final out to secure the victory.

POSTGAME NOTES:

Yonathan Perlaza went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, two doubles, a home run, a run batted in and a walk out of the leadoff spot. The switch hitter is now hitting .294 with Iowa, recording four doubles and five extra-base hits in his last two games played.

For his second consecutive start, Ben Brown spun 5.0 innings. He allowed two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out three of the 18 batters he faced.

With the victory, Iowa improved to a season-high 19 games over .500 this season, at 57-38. They had been 18 games over .500 three different times this season prior to tonight's win.

Iowa and Memphis will play game two of their six-game series tomorrow night, with first pitch from AutoZone Park set for 7:05 pm. You can listen to all Iowa Cubs games on Hope AM940 and stream them for free on the Bally Live App. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.

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International League Stories from July 25, 2023


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