Happ Homers Twice, Iowa Completes Comeback

DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Cubs (51-37) did just enough to beat the Memphis Redbirds (35-53) by a score of 9-8 in an offensive battle, Friday at Principal Park.

The two teams combined for 14 runs on five home runs in the first three innings including two home runs from Ian Happ and a grand slam Adolis Garcia. Mark Zagunis and Dixon Machado also got in on the home run brigade with home runs in the third inning.
Memphis added a run in the sixth with back-to-back doubles from Chris Chinea and Randy Arozarena to put them ahead by one, but Iowa wasn't done.
The I-Cubs added two in the bottom of the eighth with three straight singles from Zack Short, Trent Giambrone, and Donnie Dewees to hold a 9-8 lead into the final frame.
Dillon Maples allowed one hit in the ninth but struck out the side to close the door and take the first two games of the series against the Redbirds.
POSTGAME NOTES:
• Matt Swarmer made his first relief appearance since Aug. 2, 2017, with Single-A South Bend. He went 4.0 innings, allowing just one run on four hits with four strikeouts to mark just his fourth outing this year without surrendering a free pass.
• Ian Happ had his first multi-homer game since May 7, 2018, with the Chicago Cubs against the Miami Marlins.
• The I-Cubs stranded the bases-loaded twice, leaving 12 total runners on base tonight against the Redbirds.
• Zack Short recorded a single in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to six games with the Iowa Cubs, dating back to April 4-8.
Iowa and Memphis will meet for game three of the series Saturday night at Principal Park. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.