Cubs Roll, Win 11th Straight
The big first inning for Daytona began as the first four Cubs all reached base and scored. DJ LaMahieu doubled in lead-off man David Macias, and after a walk to Michael Flaherty, Michael Brenly singled in LaMahieu. Two batters later, Jake Opitz and and Greg Rohan strung together back-to-back RBI doubles to make the score 5-0 early on. Daytona scored two more runs on a Cardinals throwing error and a Junior Lake groundout, with the total damage in the first frame being seven runs on six hits, four of them doubles.
The Cardinals responded in the fourth inning, scoring all three of their runs on a pair of home runs. Alex Castellanos swatted a two-run shot and Nick Derba followed with a solo shot two batters later. However, Cubs starter Dae-Eun Rhee (5-9) would bounce back after his team responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth on a Rebel Ridling RBI single and the South Korean would finish five innings to qualify for the victory. Deryk Hooker (0-2) lasted only two-thirds of an inning for the Cardinals, losing for the second time in as many appearances this season.
The Cubs have now won eleven consecutive ballgames, the best active streak in all of professional baseball. The Cubs close their four-game set with the Cardinals on Friday night with a scheduled 7:05 p.m. first pitch as Daytona looks for the sweep. The fourth game of the homestand will feature the second installment of "Dog Days" at the ballpark presented by Greyhound Pets of America. $2 will get your four-legged friend in the gates. Friday nights are also Ladies Night at the "Jack" presented by Hooters and Kids Run The Bases after the game thanks to Rita's. Catch all the action in person at Jackie Robinson Ballpark or follow along with Christian Bruey on AM1340 WROD and online at www.daytonacubs.com.