The Iowa Cubs were caught hibernating by the Columbus Clippers (Guardians), 7-5.
It was a good start for Jaxon Wiggins, who went four innings and allowed just one run on two hits. Wiggins struck out six and walked two.
Here’s Wiggins getting a strikeout.
Meanwhile, the I-Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when right fielder Justin Dean doubled to lead off the inning and then second baseman James Triantos beat out
an infield single to score Dean with two outs.
The I-Cubs made it 4-0 in the bottom of the second with this three-run blast from third baseman Pedro Ramirez.
First baseman BJ Murray Jr. made it 5-1 in the bottom of the third with this solo home run.
But then the I-Cubs bats went silent. Gavin Hollowell threw two great innings of relief, allowing no runs and no hits. He walked one and struck out three. But Tyler Santana was called upon to pitch the eighth and ninth innings. He allowed one inherited run and one more of his own to score in the eighth and then allowed a solo home run to lead off the ninth and a three-run home run to Nolan Jones that gave Columbus the lead for good.
The final line on Santana was five runs on three hits and four walks over two innings. He struck out two.
Iowa did bring the go-ahead run to the plate with two outs in the ninth, but DH Jonathon Long hit the first pitch to the shortstop for an easy fielder’s choice that ended the game.
Pedro Ramirez was 1 for 2 with the home run and two walks. He also stole a base.
BJ Murray Jr. was 1 for 4 with the home run.
Justin Dean went 1 for 3 with the double and two walks.
