I-Cubs Keep Rolling Along With Win Over Omaha

Des Moines, IA - Lars Anderson drove in two runs and was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in Iowa's 6-3 decision over Omaha Monday night in the opener of a four-game set at Principal Park. The Storm Chasers lost their fifth straight game to fall to 10-14 overall and to 1-7 away from home while the Cubs won their sixth in a row.

The Storm Chasers got on the board in the first inning when Christian Colon doubled with one out, advanced to third base on a balk and scored on a Johnny Giavotella base hit. However, the good tidings didn't last long, as Javy Baez, the top-rated prospect in the Cubs organization, belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the frame to give the hosts the lead they would not relinquish.

Francisco Pena continued his torrid start at the plate with a solo shot in the second that trimmed the margin to 3-2 before Anderson hit a solo homer in the fourth and doubled to knock in another run in the fifth to lengthen the hosts advantage to three. Omaha starter Sugar Ray Marimon was saddled with the loss after he was charged with those five runs on eight hits while walking four and fanning two over five frames.

Casey Coleman, who pitched for the I-Cubs from 2010-13 and made one appearance for them this season, took over for Donnie Joseph with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth and got out of the jam by getting Josh Vitters to bounce into a double play. The right-hander was then nicked for an unearned run in the seventh that extended the Cubs advantage to 6-2.

Iowa starter Eric Jokisch yielded two runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings while walking two and matching a season-high with eight strikeouts to earn the win. Alberto Cabrera allowed a solo home run to Colon in the eighth to account for the final margin before Blake Parker came on to strike out the side in order in the ninth to record his third save of the season.

The series continues Tuesday evening with Omaha right-hander P.J. Walters taking the mound against Iowa righty Carlos Pimentel. Coverage of the game gets underway at 6:15 pm and can be heard locally on 1180 Zone 2 The Deuce and online at omahastormchasers.com.