I-Cubs Blank Memphis On Saturday, 5-0

Stephen Piscotty Accounts For Three Of The Redbirds' Five Hits

April 12, 2014

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Starting pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada struck out 10 over 6 2/3 shutout innings as the Iowa Cubs handed the Memphis Redbirds a five-hit shutout on Saturday night at AutoZone Park.

While tying a career-high 10 strikeouts during his 106-pitch evening, Wada worked around four hits to improve to 2-0 and lower his ERA to 0.68 over his first two outings in 2014.

Outfielder Stephen Piscotty (3-for-4) accounted for the three of the Redbirds' five hits, which was Memphis' (6-4) lowest hit output and first shutout this season.

The game was scoreless until Iowa put up back-to-back runs in the sixth and seventh innings, as Josh Vitters brought home Arismendy Alcantara with an infield groundout, followed by Brett Jackson singling in Logan Watkins.

Iowa tacked on three runs (one earned) against Sam Freeman in the ninth, which began with a fielding error. Two batters later after a hit-by-pitch and wild pitch, Matt Szczur hit a two-run single followed by Alcantara hitting a sacrifice fly.

Redbirds starter Scott McGregor came away with a no-decision, walking four and fanning a pair over 4 2/3 shutout frames. Reliever Nick Greenwood (0-1) took the loss, surrendering two runs on three hits in 2 1/3 innings. Heath Wyatt worked a perfect frame in his AutoZone Park debut.

The Redbirds and Cubs will continue their series at 1:35 pm CT on Sunday afternoon during the club's annual Bark in the Ballpark event at AutoZone Park. Memphis will send right-hander Boone Whiting (0-0, 1.13) to the mound. Iowa has yet to name a starter.