Iowa Cubs Wrap: September 22

For the final two weeks of the season, the Minor League Wrap will be the Iowa Cubs Wrap, since Iowa is the only team still playing. I’m going to write up the games slightly differently than I normally do, since I only have one game to keep track of. But you should get all the same information that you normally get.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs cursed the St. Paul Saints (Twins), 4-1.

The I-Cubs jumped off to an early lead in the top of the first inning when center fielder Ian Miller walked and then right fielder Brennen Davis singled to put runners on the corners with no outs. A wild pitch scored Miller and Iowa lead 1-0.

Iowa would go on to load the bases in the top of the first with two-out walks by third baseman Christopher Morel (in his first Triple-A at-bat) and first baseman Jared Young, but they failed to cash in on the opportunity.

The I-Cubs didn’t have the same problem in the second inning. Shortstop Andrew Romine led off the inning with a single and then catcher Erick Castillo walked. That brought the top of the order back up and after Miller failed to sacrifice the runners over, Davis came up again and hit a three-run home run to make it 4-0.

That would be all the runs Iowa would need. Starter Cory Abbott kept the Saints offense in check for five innings, only tiring in the sixth inning when he issued two walks. At that point, Abbott left the game for Ethan Roberts, who allowed an RBI single to score one run and then an infield single to load the bases with two outs. But a strikeout of Drew Maggi ended the threat and the inning. Neither team would score again.

Scott Kobos made his Triple-A debut when he relieved Roberts in the eighth inning with two outs and nobody on. He walked the first batter he faced and then gave up a single to bring the tying run to the plate. But a ground out by Maggi ended the inning and his Kobos’ night.

Jason Adam pitched the ninth inning and got the save. He struck out the first two batters of the inning before giving up a two-out single. But Adam then got an easy grounder to second base to end the game.

Abbott got the win. His line on the night was 5.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out five and walked three. Abbott now has 130 strikeouts this season (in 96 innings), which leads all of Triple-A.

Roberts allowed no runs on three hits over two innings. He struck out three and walked no one.

Davis was 2 for 3 with a walk and the home run tonight. It was Davis’s fourth home run in just seven games in Triple-A and his 19th home run overall. He’s hitting .444 with a .516 OBP in his short debut with Iowa.

Morel was 0 for 3 with a walk in his Triple-A debut.

Iowa scored four runs on just five hits.

Iowa will take on the Saints again in St. Paul on Thursday night.

Here’s Davis’s home run and Alex Cohen’s call.