Down on the Farm: Iowa Cubs win in extras, 9-6

The Iowa Cubs were in action against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox yet again.

Iowa was able to pick up the early lead by putting up a run during the top of the second and third inning before losing the lead during the bottom of the fourth when Colorado Springs put up a three spot. Chris Valaika and Jonathan Mota would launch solo home runs to left field to pick up the 2-0 lead for the Cubs. Michael McKenry, Drew Garcia and Paul Janish would help the aforementioned Sky Sox take a 3-2 lead during the bottom of the fourth.

The man of the night, Arismendy Alcantara would pick up his first RBI of the night on a single to left field to tie things up at three apiece. He would later triple during the top of the 13th inning. This would be his fourth triple on the young 2014 season. Javier Baez would also help out his team shortly after Alcantara reached third base safely by roping a single to left field to drive him in to make it 9-6.

Starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks made it through six complete innings but was tagged for 10 hits on the night. Hendricks was charged with four earned runs, issued two walks and struck out four before he was pulled from the game. Yoanner Negrin would be the man to replace Hendricks on the mound, who would eventually end up blowing the lead by giving up two home runs.

Ben Paulsen and Michael McKenry took Negrin deep during the top of the seventh inning, erasing a one run Cubs lead. These two long-balls to left field would make it 6-5 Colorado Springs after seven innings. Alcantara would tie things up at 6-6 during the top of the ninth inning with a single to shortstop Paul Janish. He would finish 5-7 on the night with three RBI’s under his belt.

Catcher Eli Whiteside would also homer during the top of the sixth inning to give the Cubs a one-run lead.

Winning pitcher tonight is Jeffry Antigua (1-0, 0.00 ERA), losing pitcher is Dan Houston (0-2, 5.40 ERA) with the save being awarded to Blake Parker (2).

Final Score: Cubs 9, Sky Sox 6.

Iowa Cubs improve to 13-9.