Iowa Takes Series Finale

ST. PAUL, MN – The Iowa Cubs (41-54) recorded 11 hits in their 5-2 win over the St. Paul Saints (53-43) to take the series finale, Sunday at CHS Field.

Each team scored in the first inning, and Edwin Figuera gave the I-Cubs a one-run lead with an RBI single in the second inning. Cory Abbott didn’t allow St. Paul to get back on the board, throwing 5.1 innings of one-run ball.

Abbott allowed four hits and four walks while striking out five, with the only run being scored in the first inning on a Byron Buxton solo home run. Iowa’s lead held at 2-1 until the seventh inning, when David Banuelos scored on an error.

Iowa immediately regained the lead in the top of the eighth inning, when Abiatal Avelino hit an RBI single. Scott Effross got out of a bases-loaded jam with nobody out to send it to 3-2 in the ninth, when Iowa added on.

The I-Cubs got a solo home run from Trayce Thompson and an RBI single from Levi Jordan to extend their lead to 5-2. Effross came back out for the ninth inning and recorded the six-out save, ending Iowa’s three-game losing streak.

POSTGAME NOTES:

• Trayce Thompson’s solo home run in the ninth inning marked his 15th of the year, leading the Iowa Cubs’ active roster in long balls.

• Scott Effross recorded his second save of the season with Iowa, recording the final six outs of the game to earn the win.

• Abiatal Avelino recorded his third straight multi-hit game for the I-Cubs, going 2-for-4 with a run scored, RBI, and a walk.

Iowa will get the day off tomorrow to travel home as they prepare for a seven-game series with the Omaha Storm Chasers. First pitch of game one of their double-header on Tuesday is set for 4:08 pm at Principal Park. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.