Zastryzny, Perez Highlight Iowa's 13-0 Win

PAPILLION, NE - Rob Zastryzny pitched five perfect innings and Juan Perez stroked a grand slam to help the Iowa Cubs (47-63) topple the Omaha Storm Chasers (48-60) 13-0, Monday at Werner Park. Iowa limited Omaha to three hits, tying a season low for its opponents, and sat down 17 batters on strikes.

Zastryzny dominated, striking out eight while spinning five perfect innings. He was pulled prior to the sixth after tossing 69 pitches with 45 thrown for strikes. He improved to 5-3 while collecting his first win since June 26. 

Iowa worked up to a 3-0 lead after six with single runs in the first, fourth and fifth innings, but it was the seventh when the team erupted. The I-Cubs tallied six runs, highlighted by the Perez grand slam - the second of his career. Jeimer Candelario added to the offensive flurry with a solo shot in the eighth, his third long ball in seven games, and Kristopher Negrón joined the hit brigade with a three-run homer five batters later. 

The Iowa bullpen picked up where Zastryzny left off as Miguel Mejia pitched two innings, allowed two hits and struck out five before Corey Black got the ball and pitched another perfect frame. Justin Grimm, making his 2016 Iowa Cubs debut, took the ninth and allowed a double, but proceeded to strike out the side.

Perez matched a career high with five RBI and Negrón claimed responsibility for another four knocked in. Perez, John Andreoli and Taylor Davis each chipped in three-hit nights. 

Iowa and Omaha play game three of the set at 7:05 p.m. CT, Monday at Werner Park. Catch all the action on AM 940 or at www.iowacubs.com.