Cuban Connection Leads Cubs Over Zephyrs

New Orleans, LA - Yoanner Negrin turned in a solid start, Jorge Soler scored a run, and Armando Rivero was the closer in the Iowa Cubs (59-54) 2-1 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs (2-1) in game two of Wednesday's double-header at Zephyr Field. All three players were born in Cuba, but left the island to pursue baseball careers in the United States. The win gave the Cubs a sweep of the twin bill and a 2-1 lead in this series. The Cubs have clinched a win over the Zephyrs in the season series for the first time since 2010. The Cubs lead the season series 9-5 with two games left to play.

The Cubs built a 2-0 lead against Zephyrs' starter Brad Penny. With one out in the top of the second inning, Soler laced a double to right-center field and scored on a two-out single by Mike Olt. Kris Bryant singled with one out in the fourth inning, stole second, and scored on a two-out hit by Rafael Lopez. Penny (1-2) worked through six innings and struck out seven, but suffered his second straight loss against the Cubs.

Negrin (1-3) worked five innings and allowed one run on six hits, walked none, and struck out five to earn his first win since August 26 last season. The Zephyrs scored their only run against him in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two-out single by Kyle Skipworth. Juan Diaz followed with a sharp ground ball to the right side, but Javy Baez made a sliding stop up the middle to rob Diaz of a hit and end the rally.

Kyuji Fujikawa pitched a perfect sixth inning. Tonight was his fifth appearance with Iowa on a Major League rehab assignment returning from Tommy John surgery last June. Fujikawa has allowed one run in five innings of work with Iowa. He was helped on a leaping catch by Soler on the warning track in right field to take a potential extra-base hit away from Justin Bour.

Rivero allowed a walk and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning to earn his first triple-A save. His last save was on June 11 with double-A Tennessee. Rivero led the Smokies with 10 saves before joining the I-Cubs on June 20.

The Cubs and Zephyrs continue this series with a single game on Thursday night starting at 7:00 PM. RH Dan Straily (4-6, 4.99) will start for the Cubs against RH Elih Villanueva (9-6, 3.74) for the Zephyrs. The game will be broadcast live on AM 940, and streamed live at iowacubs.com, with the On-Deck Circle Pre-Game Show starting at 6:40.