Underwood's First Start Tainted by Errors

MEMPHIS, TN -David Bote mashed a first-inning home run, but the Iowa Cubs (2-6) couldn't keep the offensive momentum as they fell 3-1 to the Memphis Redbirds (9-1), Saturday at AutoZone Park.  

Bote put the I-Cubs ahead early with a towering blast to center, marking his second home run of the season and the second homer for an I-Cub. Making his first Triple-A start, Duane Underwood Jr. held Memphis to zeros until the fifth. With two outs and runners on second and third, a throwing error by Mike Freeman plated both runners to put Memphis in front. The Redbirds added insurance in the seventh with an RBI single from Randy Arozarena.
Outside of the Bote home run, Daniel Poncedeleon (1-0, 0.82) was dominant for the Redbirds, allowing five hits and two walks while fanning 12. On the opposite bump, Underwood Jr. (0-1, 2.25) put together a strong outing. The 23-year-old went 5.0 frames, getting tagged with two unearned runs on four hits. He walked none and fanned six.
Iowa and Memphis play game three of the set tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. CT. Follow the action on AM 940, MiLB.TV or www.iowacubs.com.