Beavers score seven in the last two innings
Terrmel Sledge hit a three-run homer and Jack Cust added a two-run shot off Iowa closer Kerry Ligtenberg to give the Beavers the ninth inning lead. It was the 21st blown save of the year for the Cubs, who remain 2.5 games behind Nashville in the American Conference Northern Division.
Buck Coats led the Iowa offense with three hits, while Jeff Deardorff and Geovany Soto each added a pair of hits in the losing effort.
Iowa starter Jerome Williams allowed three runs in six innings and left with a 6-3 lead before the bullpen allowed seven runs over the final two innings.
The Cubs and Beavers will wrap up their four-game set Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Iowa's Les Walrond will face Portland's Dewon Brazelton.