Negrón and Davis Homer, I-Cubs Claim a Win

July 27, 2016

METAIRIE, LA - The Iowa Cubs (45-60) bounced back from a loss last night to take a decisive 8-2 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (48-54), Wednesday at Zephyr Field. The Iowa pitching staff dazzled, holding the Zephyrs to six hits and a single earned run.

A five-run second inning put Iowa on top early and for good. Jeimer Candelario drew a walk to open the frame and scored on a triple from Logan Watkins six pitches later. Taylor Davis plated Watkins with a ground out and Kristopher Negrón continued the scoring drive with a solo home run. Iowa starter Rob Zastryzny helped himself when he drew a walk and later scored on a groundout from Albert Almora Jr. A double off the bat of Juan Perez brought in the fifth run of the inning.

Davis added to Iowa's lead in the next frame, launching a two-run homer to left field -his first of the season.

After missing a start, Zastryzny came loaded with his best as he held the Zephyrs hitless through three. In the fourth, New Orleans took advantage of a leadoff walk to Xavier Scruggs as the baserunner stole second and scored an unearned run on a sharp line-drive single from Destin Hood. Zastryzny would exit after four, allowing the single hit with three walks and three strikeouts.

Iowa kept its bats alive and loaded the bags with no outs in the fifth as Candelario, Watkins and Davis swatted consecutive singles. The team would settle for just one run in the potentially damaging inning with Andreoli claiming the RBI with an infield hit to first.

The bullpens took control from there with each team tallying just one hit from the sixth through the eighth. Corey Black, C.J. Riefenhauser and Spencer Patton (1-0) each chipped in scoreless efforts with Patton ultimately earning his first win of the season.

New Orleans did manage a ninth-inning run off Jose Rosario, but a game-ending double play ended the effort.

Iowa and New Orleans play game three of the four-game set at 7:00 p.m. CT, Thursday at Zephyr Field. Listen live on AM 940 or at www.iowacubs.com.