Isotopes Fall to I-Cubs in 11 Innings
The Iowa Cubs (21-26) came back from a three-run deficit on Saturday night to win 4-3 in 11 innings over the Albuquerque Isotopes (22-27) at Principal Park.
The Isotopes' three runs all came in the first inning. Ben Paulsen drove in the first run with an RBI single and two more came around to score on a fielding error by Iowa starting pitcher Michael Wagner two batters later.
Albuquerque starter Jeff Hoffman held the Cubs hitless his first time through the order, but Iowa leadoff hitter John Andreoli ended that streak with a two-out home run in the third inning.
Hoffman proceeded to retire the next eight batters he faced before the I-Cubs got back-to-back doubles from Andreoli and Wilson Contreras in the sixth to cut the Isotopes lead to 3-2. Iowa evened the score up at 3-3 in the seventh on David Bote's RBI single to right field.
Hoffman finished the night allowing three runs on five hits, while walking none and striking out six in seven innings.
The game would remain knotted up until the 11th inning. The I-Cubs loaded the bases with one out against Isotopes reliever Simon Castro before pinch-hitter Juan Perez hit an infield single to third base allowing Matt Murton enough time to come home and score the game-winning run.
The series in Des Moines continues tomorrow afternoon with Albuquerque's Shane Carle (3-4, 6.00) taking on Iowa's Rob Zastryzny (1-0, 2.57). The contest is scheduled to get underway from Principal Park at 12:08 p.m.