Robinson Blasts Cubs Past RedHawks
Published on July 17, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
Chris Robinson's three-run homer was the difference for the Iowa Cubs (44-51) as they edged the Oklahoma City RedHawks (40-55) 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Principal Park. After dropping the opener, the Cubs took three in a row from the RedHawks to win the series.
RedHawks' starter Lucas Harrell blanked the Cubs for five innings, but was lifted for reliever Fernando Abad to begin the sixth. The lefty specialist Abad, who is on Major League rehab assignment, gave up consecutive hits to left-handed hitters. Bryan LaHair led off with a long single to the right field corner, and Brad Snyder followed with a double. Robinson brought both men home when he sent his first home run of the season over the center field wall. It was Robinson's first long-ball since June 12, 2010.
DJ LeMahieu and Snyder both had two hits in the game for the Cubs. Robinson also cut down three RedHawks attempting to steal bases in the game.
Oklahoma got on the board in the first inning against Dave Bush, who was making his first start of the year for the Iowa Cubs. Throwing on a pitch count, Bush only lasted two and one-third innings. He gave up three straight singles with one out in the opening frame, the third being an RBI-single to Kolby Clemens to put the RedHawks ahead. Bush allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out three.
Blake Parker pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief for Iowa. He also added a base hit in his one plate appearance. Chris Rusin pitched four innings out of the Cubs bullpen. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out one. He also contributed a base hit at the plate. The second Oklahoma run came on a solo home run by J.R. Towles in the eight inning off of Rusin.
Rusin (1-0) picked up the win in the game, and Abad (1-2) was charged with the loss and his second blown save of the season.
Harrell pitched well for Oklahoma but did not factor in the decision. He allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out five Cubs over five innings pitched.
The RedHawks put the tying run in scoring position with one out in the ninth following a Tommy Manzella walk, and a Luis Durango sacrifice bunt. J.B. Shuck then singled off Justin Berg, but Manzella was stopped at third. Berg would strand him there as he retired the next two batters with a fly out and a strike out to end the game. Berg earned his third save of the season in the victory.
The Cubs open up a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Albero Cabrera (1-2, 7.00) is scheduled to take the mound for Iowa against Frankie De La Cruz (3-5, 4.16) for Nashville.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 17, 2011
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- Padres Return Home Monday for First Time in 12 Days - Tucson Padres
- Giavotella Powers Chasers Past Hometown Zephyrs - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Express Leaves 'Birds at the Station - Memphis Redbirds
- Round Rock Express Take Finale at Memphis 8-5 - Round Rock Express
- Sounds Drop Homestand Finale to Isotopes, 9-5 - Nashville Sounds
- Rainiers Stung by Salt Lake, 5-2 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Raley Field Plays Hero, Grizzlies Can't Complete Sweep - Fresno Grizzlies
- Aces Sweep Sky Sox with 6-4 Win - Reno Aces
- Zephyrs Fall to Omaha 7-4 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Cubs Take Series with 3-2 Sunday Win - Oklahoma City Comets
- Robinson Blasts Cubs Past RedHawks - Iowa Cubs
- Tucson Shut Out by Las Vegas, 5-0 - Las Vegas Aviators
- Round Rock Express Game Notes - Round Rock Express
- Oklahoma City RedHawks Transactions - Oklahoma City Comets
- Bush Joins Iowa Rotation - Iowa Cubs
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- Aces Drop Sky Sox, 8-6, for Fifth-Straight Win - Reno Aces
- Pill's Slam Keys Grizzlies Comeback - Fresno Grizzlies
- Rainiers Stifle Salt Lake, 4-1 - Tacoma Rainiers
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