Chris Robinson's three-run homer was the difference for the Iowa Cubs (44-51) as they edged the Oklahoma City RedHawks (40-55) 3-2 Sunday afternoon at Principal Park. After dropping the opener, the Cubs took three in a row from the RedHawks to win the series.
RedHawks' starter Lucas Harrell blanked the Cubs for five innings, but was lifted for reliever Fernando Abad to begin the sixth. The lefty specialist Abad, who is on Major League rehab assignment, gave up consecutive hits to left-handed hitters. Bryan LaHair led off with a long single to the right field corner, and Brad Snyder followed with a double. Robinson brought both men home when he sent his first home run of the season over the center field wall. It was Robinson's first long-ball since June 12, 2010.
DJ LeMahieu and Snyder both had two hits in the game for the Cubs. Robinson also cut down three RedHawks attempting to steal bases in the game.
Oklahoma got on the board in the first inning against Dave Bush, who was making his first start of the year for the Iowa Cubs. Throwing on a pitch count, Bush only lasted two and one-third innings. He gave up three straight singles with one out in the opening frame, the third being an RBI-single to Kolby Clemens to put the RedHawks ahead. Bush allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out three.
Blake Parker pitched an inning and two-thirds of scoreless relief for Iowa. He also added a base hit in his one plate appearance. Chris Rusin pitched four innings out of the Cubs bullpen. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out one. He also contributed a base hit at the plate. The second Oklahoma run came on a solo home run by J.R. Towles in the eight inning off of Rusin.
Rusin (1-0) picked up the win in the game, and Abad (1-2) was charged with the loss and his second blown save of the season.
Harrell pitched well for Oklahoma but did not factor in the decision. He allowed five hits, walked two, and struck out five Cubs over five innings pitched.
The RedHawks put the tying run in scoring position with one out in the ninth following a Tommy Manzella walk, and a Luis Durango sacrifice bunt. J.B. Shuck then singled off Justin Berg, but Manzella was stopped at third. Berg would strand him there as he retired the next two batters with a fly out and a strike out to end the game. Berg earned his third save of the season in the victory.
The Cubs open up a four-game series against the Nashville Sounds tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. Albero Cabrera (1-2, 7.00) is scheduled to take the mound for Iowa against Frankie De La Cruz (3-5, 4.16) for Nashville.
