I-Cubs Fall to Indians in 2-0 Shutout

DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Cubs (35-44) were shut out by the Indianapolis Indians (38-42) Thursday night at Principal Park, falling 2-0 in game four of the seven-game set.

The I-Cubs had chances early on, but couldn’t convert on any of their opportunities. They loaded the bases on a hit batter and two walks in the first, but stranded all three men. Again in the second, Levi Jordan led off the inning with a single and pitcher Keegan Thompson helped him as far as third with a base hit of his own, but neither runner was driven in.

On the other side, Thompson held the Indians to just two hits and three walks through the first 3.1 innings, never allowing a baserunner further than second base. He was relieved by Matt Swarmer, who made his second appearance out of the bullpen this season. He pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to begin his outing, keeping the game knotted at zero through the first five innings.

Indianapolis finally got the scoring started against Swarmer in the sixth, stringing together a leadoff double from pinch hitter Dustin Fowler and a two-run homer from Anthony Alford to take the first lead of the game. Swarmer escaped the inning without any further damage, but Indianapolis took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the inning.

Iowa’s bullpen was lights-out in the final three frames, with Juan Gamez and Dakota Mekkes combining to allow just one hit and two walks, but Indianapolis’ relievers were just as effective. Iowa managed just three singles off of the Indians’ bullpen, and they fell by a final score of 2-0.

POSTGAME NOTES:

• Infielder Levi Jordan registered his first two Triple-A hits tonight, going 2-for-4 in his third game with Iowa.
• Juan Gamez went two innings and allowed one hit and one walk in his second outing with Iowa.
• Trayce Thompson recorded his second three-hit game this season, going 3-for-4 with a double.
• Zach Davis made his Triple-A debut as a pinch hitter for the pitcher’s spot in the sixth inning.

Iowa and Indianapolis will meet again tomorrow for game five of their seven-game series. First pitch between the two teams is set for 7:08 PM. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.