Down on the Farm: Cougars only winners on Opening Night

Iowa Cubs vs Memphis Redbirds (St. Louis Cardinals Triple-A):

Starting off yesterday’s action was left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin and the Iowa Cubs as they took on the Memphis Redbirds in their home opener. Rusin was absolutely hammered by the young Cardinals prospects, as he was only able to make it through 3 2/3 innings. He was charged with five earned runs off six hits, two of those were taken deep in the very first inning of the game.

Rusin was replaced by right handed pitcher Yoanner Negrin, who worked 3 1/3 solid innings without giving up any runs. Rusin begins the season 0-1 and will carry a 12.27 ERA into his next start. Memphis put up three runs in the top of the first, two runs in the fourth and added another five in the ninth.

Josh Vitters helped out the home team by launching a two out solo home run to left field, his first of the year. Matt Szczur grounded into a force out that helped drive in a run in the ninth. Winning pitcher was David Aardsma, who worked through only one scoreless inning.

Final Score: Redbirds 10, Cubs 2.