Iowa Cubs break up no-hit bid with two out in 9th, fall 4-0 to Redbirds

Arismendy Alcantara singled with two out in the ninth to end Tim Cooney‘s no-hit bid, but it was too little, too late as the Memphis Redbirds shutout the Iowa Cubs 4-o.

The Redbirds (27-27) got a stellar performance from Cooney (5-4, 3.82), as he struck out seven and walked only two as well as allowing the two out single to Alcantara. The I-Cubs (27-24) had no answers all night at the plate, and were unable to provide any support for Tsuyoshi Wada (4-3, 2.70).

The Redbirds got off to a quick start as Randal Grichuk launched a solo home run to left to put them up 1-0.

As Cooney continued to deal, the Redbirds were able to add to the lead in the fourth on and RBI double from Thomas Pham, scoring Pete Kozma.

In the sixth, they closed out the scoring as Pham doubled again, scoring two to put the Redbirds up by the eventual final score of 4-0.

Alcantara’s single followed a Matt Szczur walk, which by all means was the biggest threat the I-Cubs had all night. The evening was especially difficult for Casper Wells, as he struck out in all three of his at-bats.

The I-Cubs and Redbirds will play a nighttime doubleheader on Friday. In Game one,Kyle Hendricks will go for the Cubs (5-3,3.21), taking on  Scott McGregor (1-5, 5.98). Game 2 will have Zach Petrick (2-2, 4.17) for the Redbirds, and the Cubs starter is TBD.