Game Notes - 5.29.17

Iowa Cubs (22-27) at Memphis Redbirds (31-20)
RHP Williams Pérez (0-4, 8.28) vs. RHP Luke Weaver (4-1, 1.97)
12:05 p.m. | AutoZone Park | Memphis, TN

TODAY'S GAME: Iowa and Memphis meet for game three of the four-game series on Memorial Day. Iowa has been in last place in the American Northern Division since May 7 and is 7.5 games behind first place Colorado Springs (29-18). Memphis sits atop the American Southern Division, five games ahead of second place Nashville (24-23). 
AGAINST WEAVER: Luke Weaver took a win in his last start against Iowa on May 7 at Principal Park. The righty spun seven innings, allowing just four hits, walking none and whiffing four. Bijan Rademacher went 2-for-2 with Victor Caratini and Taylor Davis each claiming a hit. 
EIGHT BALL: Iowa allowed four runs in the eighth inning last night to secure its losing fate. The eighth has been tough for the I-Cubs, who have given up 42 runs in the inning -- seven more than any other inning (35, 1st and 5th) over the course of the season. Last night was the fourth time Iowa had given up three or more runs in the eighth. Its most runs allowed in the inning were seven on April 12 against New Orleans. 
THIEVES IN THE NIGHT: John Andreoli (6) and Chris Dominguez (2) each stole a base last night, Iowa's 17th and 18th stolen bases on the season. The I-Cubs hadn't attempted a stolen bases since May 19 at Tacoma and hadn't been successful since May 17 at Las Vegas. Iowa is last in the league with 18 stolen bases. Memphis has one more with 19. 
A BUNCH OF BS:Jack Leathersich tallied a blown save last night, Iowa's league-leading 13th of the season. Las Vegas and Sacramento sit in second with 10 each. Despite inconsistency in conversion, Iowa is tied for second in the PCL with 16 saves with Oklahoma City, trailing only Tacoma with 17. 
HIT THE GAS:Jeimer Candelario has slowed at the plate with his batting average dipping below .300 for the first time since April 11. Candelario is 7-for-39 (.179) in 10 games since returning from a brief stint in Chicago, though all seven hits have fallen for extra bases (4 2B, 3HR). 
MAY DAY: The loss last night secured a losing record in the month of May for Iowa (12-15). The I-Cubs have not posted a losing record in the month since going 14-16 in 2014. 
AGAINST MEMPHIS: Iowa dropped the first series of the season 3-1 to Memphis at Principal Park May 6-9. The Redbirds outscored Iowa 31-15, working I-Cubs pitchers up to a 7.50 ERA. Iowa hasn't posted a winning record in Memphis since 2012 (5-3), going 10-21 over the last four seasons. 
ANSWER THE CALL: Ali Solis saw limited playing time to begin the season, but has been in Iowa's starting lineup in four of the last five games. Over this span, Solis is 5-for-16 (.313) with a home run and two RBI. The I-Cubs are 10-3 with Solis in the starting lineup and 5-2 with him behind the dish. 
IRON HORSE: John Andreoli has started 22 consecutive games for Iowa since coming of the disabled list on May 6 after pulling a hamstring. Since his return, Andreoli is 19-for-94 (.202) with eight extra-base hits, five RBI, 11 walks and 34 strikeouts. In 2016, Andreoli paced the PCL with 140 games played. 
SHOW SOME MUSCLE: Iowa's season-long bullpen struggles were righted over the last week before a four-run eighth from Memphis last night had it back to old ways. Through seven games entering last night, the 'pen was 2-1 with a 1.30 ERA (4ER/27.2IP) with seven walks and 22 strikeouts. Overall, Iowa relievers are 12-12 with a 5.99 ERA on the year. 
SILENT BUT DEADLY: Taylor Davis is quietly putting together a brilliant season for Iowa. The catcher and first baseman ranks second on the team with a .302 (38-for-126) batting average, is third with 20 walks and among I-Cubs with 100+ at-bats, has the fewest strikeouts with 17. Over his last 10 games, Davis is hitting .414 (12-for-29) with four doubles, a home run and seven RBI. In 188 games as an Iowa Cub over three seasons (2015-17), Davis is batting .286 with 74 RBI. 
ROAD WARRIORS: John Andreoli has found the most success away from Des Moines, hitting .300 (21-for-70) with 10 extra-base hits and eight RBI in 17 games. He has reached base in every road game this season and 23 straight dating back to August 18, 2016 (28-for-93, .301, 7 2B, 3B, 3HR, 11 RBI). In 17 home games, Andreoli is batting .159 (11-for-69) with four extra-base knocks and three RBI.