Murton Propels Iowa to Third Straight Win
Published on May 29, 2016 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
DES MOINES - Sunday's game began with a pitcher's duel and ended with an eighth-inning comeback as the Iowa Cubs (22-26) defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes (22-28) for the third straight game, 6-4 at Principal Park.
Left-hander Rob Zastryzny took the mound for his second start as an I-Cub and started off strong by sitting down the first nine batters he faced. He exited after five innings of work where he allowed three earned runs on six hits, one home run and one walk, while striking out four.
Albuquerque struck first in the top of the fourth when Tom Murphy hit a two-run home run to the opposite field. The I-Cubs responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning when Matt Murton sent a two-out single to right field. Daniel Vogelbach followed Murton by sending the next pitch to deep right-center for a double to bring him in and narrow Albuquerque's lead to one.
Brandon Gomes was the first I-Cub out of the bullpen and gave the I-Cubs two strong innings in relief. Gomes did not allow a hit and only walked one, while striking out three Isotope batters.
In the top of the fifth, Albuquerque starter Shane Carle led off the inning with a double down the right-field line and was brought in by a Brandon Barnes single to right field. Iowa matched the run in the bottom of the frame behind Arismendy Alcantara's leadoff double and David Freitas' sacrifice fly.
The Isotopes extended their lead in the top of the eighth when Noel Cuevas knocked a two-out infield single, stole second, reached third on a wild throw from catcher David Freitas and was brought in on a Chris Nelson single to make it 4-2, Albuquerque.
John Andreoli led off the bottom of the eighth with an infield single to begin the I-Cubs' comeback. Munenori Kawasaki followed Andreoli by roping a single of his own to left field. With two strikes, Murton hit the third single in a row for Iowa that brought Andreoli to make it a one-run ball game.
Vogelbach followed Murton with a four-pitch walk to load the bases for Juan Perez. Perez drove the ball in the gap between first and second. Rafael Ynoa made a great play to get a 4-6 force out at second, but the fielder's choice brought in Kawasaki to the tie the game at four-all. With Watkins batting, Murton strolled in from third on a passed ball to give the I-Cubs their first lead of the day. Watkins then drove a 3-0 pitch to left field that brought in Perez from second to give the I-Cubs the 6-4 edge.
Gerardo Concepcion (1-0) grabbed his first win as an I-Cub by allowing just one run in his two innings of work. He finished with two strikeouts in his outing, while only allowing two hits.
Murton and Andreoli both had multi-hit games to help the I-Cubs. Murton finished 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Andreoli finished his day 2-for-4 with a run after starting the game with two strikeouts.
Iowa and Albuquerque meet for the final game of the four-game series at 12:08 p.m., Monday at Principal Park. For more information or tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.
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