Lopez Plates Pair as Bats Come up Just Short

July 27, 2021 - International League (IL)
Louisville Bats News Release

Des Moines, IA - Alejo Lopez drove in a pair of runs in his return to the lineup, but the Iowa Cubs touched up starter Riley O'Brien for three runs over the fifth and sixth inning to outlast the Louisville Bats 3-2 on Tuesday night at Principal Park.

The Bats threatened with a base runner in each of their first four frames before plating the first two runs of the game on a two-out double from Lopez. Beau Taylor led off the scoring sequence with a two-bagger before Michael De Leon and O'Brien coaxed walks to load the bases for Lopez.

O'Brien was dominant over his first four scoreless frames, retiring 11 out of the first 13 batters he faced. The right-hander ran into trouble after that, allowing three runs over his final two innings of work. He recorded six strikeouts before exiting after six full to earn his third quality start of the season despite the decision.

Reds' rehabber Lucas Sims and Carson Fulmer each tossed a scoreless inning in relief.

The two teams are set to square off again from Principal Park on Wednesday at 7:38 p.m. ET. Louisville will hand the ball to RHP Ashton Goudeau (1-3, 4.65) against RHP Joe Biagini (1-4, 5.09).

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