Game Recap | Got the ball rolling in Iowa
Des Moines, IA - The Toledo Mud Hens (67-71) defeated the Iowa Cubs (57-79), 7-3, on Wednesday, September 9, in game one of what is now a five game series. River Ryan made his debut for the Hens and threw for two complete innings. Carlos Pérez brought some heat to
Des Moines, IA - The Toledo Mud Hens (67-71) defeated the Iowa Cubs (57-79), 7-3, on Wednesday, September 9, in game one of what is now a five game series. River Ryan made his debut for the Hens and threw for two complete innings. Carlos Pérez brought some heat to Des Moines, going 2-for-3 with a three-run home run early in the matchup.
After Tuesday’s game one was cancelled due to inclement weather, today’s first pitch was thrown three minutes after the scheduled time of 1:08p.m. ET, and the Hens were ready to roll. In his Mud Hens debut, River Ryan, struck out the first two Cubs he faced; the game held scoreless through one.
In the second, Seby Zavala and Justice Bigbie knocked singles that perfectly set up Carlos Pérez to bring in the first runs of the game. His ball flew 387ft out of the park and snagged a three-run advantage over the Cubs (3-0).
Carl Edwards Jr. replaced Ryan from the bullpen after two innings of work.
James Outman walked to start the fourth. After Outman stole second, Perérez’s bat stayed hot as he ripped an RBI-double down the left field line. (4-0)
In the fifth, Edwards Jr. got all three Cubs swinging, which quickly ended the inning for Iowa.
Outman doubled to lead off the sixth, Bigbie bumped a single to follow, then Pérez continued to add to the number on the board. His ground out resulted in a double play but brought Outman home from third (5-0). Back-to-back doubles in the home half added Iowa’s first run to the board. With a Cub left on third, an easy single made it a 5-2 game.
After Edwards Jr. struck out his fifth batter, Ty Madden took the mound. Combined, the hurlers retired Iowa in order.
The Hens jumped further ahead in the eighth with Outman and Bigbie each tallying RBI-singles (7-2). Cal Stevenson pinch-hit for Pérez in the frame and remained in as designated hitter. The Cubs added a third run in the bottom half. (7-3)
Toledo was able to hold its lead through the entire contest as Nick Sandlin closed out the ninth. The Mud Hens walked away from the series opener with the win.
The Toledo Mud Hens return to Principal Park on Thursday, September 10, for game two of the series at the Iowa Cubs. First pitch is set for 7:38p.m. eastern time, as Toledo looks to keep the ball rolling.
Notables
C. Pérez – 2/3, HR, 2B, 4RBI
J. Outman – 2/3, 3R, 2B, RBI, BB
J. Bigbie– 3/4, R, RBI
C. Edwards Jr. – 4.2IP, 4H, 2R, 2ER, BB, 5K