Sounds Woes Continue
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Behind a seven-run 2nd inning, the Iowa Cubs handed the Nashville Sounds a 9-0 defeat at rainy First Tennessee Park on Tuesday night.
Clayton Richard was the story for Iowa in his I-Cub debut. The left-hander held Sounds hitters to just two hits over seven innings, getting the first nine Sounds hitters to ground out to begin the game.
The Sounds defense let Zach Neal down in the second inning, committing not one, but two errors. Iowa took advantage belting five hits, including back-to-back homers by Junior Lake and Javier Baez. The seven runs the Sounds surrendered were the most they have yielded in an inning this season.
Iowa added to their 7-0 lead an inning later via an RBI single by Vanderbilt alum and Nashville resident Mike Baxter. Despite taking his fourth loss of the season and surrendering a season-high eight runs on 11 hits, Neal inexplicably saw his team-best 3.22 ERA improve to 3.07, as seven of the runs were unearned.
Ryan Dull made his Triple-A debut and impressed striking out five batters in two innings of work, but the right-hander was tagged by Baez for a solo homer in the ninth. Dull entered the action with a staggering 0.60 ERA in 35 games with Midland.
Prior to the game, Sounds owner Frank Ward, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, District 19 Council Member Erica Gilmore and legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully combined to create a landmark event in Nashville baseball history. In honor of Nashville native and Dodger legend, James "Junior" Gilliam, Jackson Street was formally renamed Junior Gilliam Way near the vicinity of First Tennessee Park. The Sounds' ballpark is now located at 19 Junior Gilliam Way.
Losers of their last seven, the Nashville Sounds will turn to Cody Martin (0-3, 7.71) in the hope he can turn things around. Iowa is expected to counter with Felipe Paulino (2-6, 4.71). Be sure to get their early, as Braves hero Sid Bream will be on hand to sign autographs. The event is presented by Principal Financial. First pitch is expected for 7:05 p.m.