Rainiers' Bats Erupt in Series Opener
Published on May 21, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
DES MOINES --Iowa fell to Tacoma 8-2 in the first game of a four-game at Principal Park Monday night. The Rainiers (18-26) connected for fifteen hits, two home runs and were 5-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Iowa's (18-25) Jay Jackson struggled in his first start since moving to the bullpen earlier this month, suffering the loss.
Jackson was roughed up for six runs on nine hits, including two home runs, while striking out two and walking one in three innings of work. Starter Forrest Snow earned his first win of the season, surrendering one run over five frames.
Tacoma struck early and often against Jackson, scoring two on a Carlos Peguero (3-for-3, HBP) home run off the left field sky box in the first inning. Peguero then came back for an encore in his second at bat, drilling a two-run shot out of the ballpark in right field to put Tacoma up 4-0. The Rainiers added two more on a string of singles in the third innings to extend their lead to six.
Manny Corpas entered the game in the fourth, holding Tacoma scoreless in two frames of one-hit ball, fanning one. Ryan Rowland-Smith made his first appearance after returning from the disabled list today. The Aussie tossed one inning, surrendering one run after a questionable call on an attempted double-play tag by Blake DeWitt at second. Mike MacDougal made his third appearance with Iowa on the year and was charged with one unearned run in one inning of work. Scott Maine pitched a perfect ninth.
Alfredo Amezaga (2-for-3, BB) and Blake DeWitt (2-for-3) ripped back-to-back doubles off the right center field wall to lead off the fifth inning to put the I-Cubs on the board. The double was DeWitt's first hit and RBI as an Iowa Cub. Anthony Rizzo, who snapped a six-game hitting streak last night, reached base twice going 1-for-4 with a walk. The first baseman has only gone hitless in consecutive games twice this season.
Iowa struggled to put more runs on the board for the second straight night, stranding sixteen runners and loading the bases four times. The third time was almost the charm for Iowa, Josh Vitters walked with the bases juiced in the seventh to bring in the Cubs' second run. Ty Wright then hit into an inning-ending five-three double play halting the Iowa threat. The Cubs threatened in the ninth, loading the bases for a final time, before Nate Samson went down on strikes to end the game.The Cubs' anemic offense was 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position despite knocking ten hits. Iowa walked a season-high ten times Monday evening.
The Cubs are now 7-5 in series openers this season. Iowa will look to right the ship in game two of the series with a 12:05 p.m. start tomorrow. RHP Chris Volstad will make his first start with the Iowa Cubs facing off against RHP Erasmo Ramirez (1-0). The final three games of the home stand will be 12:05 p.m. starts at Principal Park before Iowa heads on the road for twelve games in thirteen days. Fans can tune in to Iowa Cubs action with Deene Ehlis and Randy Wehofer on AM 940 with the pregame show beginning at 11:45 a.m.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 21, 2012
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