Mathes, Cubs Come Out On Top In Tight Affair

August 20, 2009 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - J.R. Mathes earned his league-leading 12th win with eight strong innings and John-Ford Griffin busted a tie game in the eighth with a two-run single to help the Iowa Cubs edge the Portland Beavers 3-1 before 7,468 Thursday night at PGE Park.

Mathes (12-6) allowed just two batters over the minimum between the third and eighth inning after allowing a second-inning run. He held the Beavers (53-73) to just one unearned run and five hits while walking one and striking out three across eight innings.

The loss overshadowed an otherwise stellar start for Portland's Josh Geer. The right-hander went the distance, allowing three runs (2 earned) and six hits while fanning two over his nine innings of work. Geer (2-3) helped out at the plate by going 2-for-3 with a double.

The clubs traded runs in the second, with Steve Clevenger doubling home Bobby Scales for Iowa (64-61) and Craig Stansberry's sac fly plating Yamid Haad in the bottom of the frame.

It was scoreless from there until the Cubs mounted their eighth-inning rally. Mathes drew a leadoff walk, Matt Camp reached first on a sacrifice bunt and an error, and the Beavers intentionally walked Micah Hoffpauir to set up a potential double play with Griffin coming to the plate. Griffin, however, laced a single into right field to give the Cubs a lead they held for good.

Blake Parker came on for Mathes in the ninth to get his 17th save for Iowa.

Griffin and Clevenger led the Cubs with two hits apiece.

The Beavers and Cubs conclude their series Friday night at PGE Park. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.

NOTES: Before the game, it was announced that relief pitcher Scott Patterson was traded to Oakland for cash considerations and that the Beavers signed pitcher Rocky Cherry ... Geer became the first Portland pitcher to work nine innings in a game since Jack Cassel did so on June 9, 2007.

Beavers Game File

THURSDAY'S GAME: Iowa 3, Beavers 1

WINNING PITCHER: Mathes (12-6)

LOSING PITCHER: Geer (2-3)

SAVE: Parker (17)

HOME RUNS: None

FRIDAY'S GAME: Iowa (James Russell: 3-1, 3.72) at Portland (Josh Banks: 6-6, 3.21), 7:05 p.m. (Pacific); live audio broadcast on KKAD AM-1550 and www.portlandbeavers.com. Follow the Beavers on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PortlandBeavers.



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 20, 2009


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