DES MOINES, Iowa – Nick Cimillo and Enmanuel Valdez both left the yard for the Indianapolis Indians, but it was Jonathon Long’s grand slam that lifted the Iowa Cubs to an 11-7 win on Friday night at Principal Park. Termarr Johnson matched his career high with four hits.
Johnson and Keiner Delgado each hit doubles to begin the contest for the Indians (29-44) and Cimillo launched his sixth home run of the season in the second frame for a 3-0 lead.
The I-Cubs (30-40) came battling back, scoring two runs in the second and third innings, before breaking it open with Long’s grand slam in the bottom of the fourth. Indy took a brief 5-4 lead when Valdez hit a laser over the wall in the top of that frame and then fell behind 8-5. Iowa tacked on three more scores in the fifth.
Indy pulled together runs in the seventh and ninth innings but could not complete the comeback with the bases loaded down to the final out.
Justin Meis opened the game for Indy and gave way to Hunter Barco, who exited in the fourth inning due to an apparent injury. Nick Dombkowski (L, 2-4), allowed four runs to follow including the slam.
Vince Velasquez started for Iowa and allowed three runs in 3.0 innings. Andrew Wantz (W, 3-0) picked up the win with 4.0 innings and Vince Reilly (S, 1) entered the game in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded. Reilly allowed an RBI single to Dominic Fletcher but struck Johnson to end the game.
The six-game series between Indy and Iowa heads to the penultimate game on Saturday night at 7:08 PM ET. RHP Noah Davis (1-6, 4.88) is scheduled to start for the Indians while LHP Ty Blach (2-4, 6.96) takes the mound for the I-Cubs.