I-Cubs Return Favor in Extra-Inning Battle with OKC
Published on August 18, 2018 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - After a second-consecutive 11-inning contest, the Iowa Cubs (46-77) were able to re-write the script, edging the Oklahoma City Dodgers (64-58), 4-3, Saturday evening for the team's first win of 2018 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
Dodger starter Zach Neal stymied the I-Cub offense for 6.0 frames, as he carried a perfect game into the fourth until hitting Stephen Bruno for his team-leading 11th hit-by-pitch. Mike Freeman subsequently served up the I-Cubs first hit of the day with a one-out single before Neal escaped with a strikeout and groundout.
Across the diamond, Alec Mills worked a similar line, conceding a walk to Alex Verdugo before giving up Andrew Toles' two-run home run in the first. The righty proceeded to buckle down and retire six in a row. Mills ended his night notching his team-leading 10th quality start, twirling 6.0 innings of two-run ball on three hits and a home run, walking two and striking out seven.
The I-Cub offense showed late-life in the seventh, as Jacob Hannemann took advantage of a new arm in Edward Paredes by cutting the deficit in half with one swing of the bat for a 2-1 ballgame. His fourth home run of 2018 completed a 2-for-5 night and was the first multi-hit game for the outfielder since July 22.
Right-hander Dakota Mekkes took the reigns for the seventh; where the Dodgers proceeded to add to their lead by stringing together a walk and a single to set up a Tim Locastro RBI knock for a 3-1 lead.
Iowa returned the favor an inning later, as Chris Coghlan and Bruno set the stage with back-to-back singles for Freeman to tie the game, 3-3, with a two-RBI double in the eighth. Freeman joined Bruno and Hannemann with a multi-hit performance, as the three combined for six of Iowa's seven hits.
Oklahoma City continued to threaten in the eighth, as Craig Brooks wiggled out of a bases-loaded jam after surrendering a hit-by-pitch and two singles. A flyout, groundout and strikeout left the Dodgers with several missed opportunities, which later proved costly.
A scoreless ninth brought the fourth extra-inning duel between to the clubs this season. The game would stay locked until the 11th, when Bijan Rademacher manufactured the game-deciding run with a RBI groundout to score Bruno.
James Norwood put the finishing touches on the victory by spinning two scoreless innings with one walk and three strikeouts to earn his first Triple-A win.
Iowa and Oklahoma City play two tomorrow at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark with Game 1 beginning at 3:35 and the nightcap to follow 30 minutes after. Follow the action on AM 940 or www.iowacubs.com.
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