Iowa Falls Short in Game Five

June 25, 2022

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Iowa Cubs (33-37) scored just one run and fell to the Louisville Bats (26-44) by a score of 2-1, Saturday at Louisville Slugger Field. Iowa got out to an early lead in the second inning when Narciso Crook scored on a throwing error by Louisville’s pitcher,

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Iowa Cubs (33-37) scored just one run and fell to the Louisville Bats (26-44) by a score of 2-1, Saturday at Louisville Slugger Field.

Iowa got out to an early lead in the second inning when Narciso Crook scored on a throwing error by Louisville’s pitcher, Robert Dugger. Dugger locked down from there, keeping Iowa at just the one run over six innings of work.

The Bats tied the game in the third with an RBI single from Jose Barrero and took the lead in the fifth on a solo home run off the bat of TJ Friedl.

The solo home run came against Blake Whitney in his first game of the year with Iowa. The righty threw two innings while allowing just the one hit. He was followed by Michael Rucker, who also allowed only one hit over two scoreless innings.

Louisville’s bullpen matched Iowa’s, keeping their 2-1 lead intact. The three relievers combined to strikeout four while allowing just two hits and one walk. Iowa threatened with a runner at third in the ninth inning, but couldn’t bring it in, cutting their series lead to just one game.

POSTGAME NOTES:

• Robert Dugger earned his first win with Louisville, moving his record with the Bats to 1-3. Dugger spun six innings of one-run ball, allowing just three hits while walking three and striking out three. It marked the 10th quality start against Iowa this year.

• Blake Whitney took the loss in his first game with Iowa this year. He threw two innings and allowed just one hit, a solo home run to give Louisville the lead. He also struck one of the seven batters he faced.

• Michael Rucker kept his ERA with Iowa at 0.00, throwing two scoreless frames. The righty allowed one hit while striking out three.

• John Hicks went 1-for-4 with a double tonight, the only extra-base hit of the game for Iowa. Tonight marked their sixth straight game without a home run.

Iowa and Louisville will play the sixth and final game of their series tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 pm CT at Louisville Slugger Field. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.