Des Moines, IA - The Toledo Mud Hens (69-72) outscored the Iowa Cubs (58-81), 9-7, on Saturday, September 12, in a back-and-forth offensive battle. Both teams counted a six-run inning, but the Hens brought it in the ninth to win game four.
Toledo had redemption on its mind entering today’s matchup after a game three loss less than 24 hours ago. The opening inning was hitless for both teams and they each drew a walk.
Justice Bigbie snagged the first hit of the contest on a soft ground ball single, but a swinging strike out ended Toledo’s half. Iowa got the scoring started in the home half. After a walk, stolen base, and throwing error, a ground out allowed the runner from third to come home. (1-0)
At the top of the third, two-out batter, Max Anderson, smashed a solo home run out of Principal Park to tie it at one.
Carlos Perez walked in the fourth and that was followed by a Cal Stevenson single. A second walk in the inning loaded the bases for the Hens. The visitors failed to convert any runs from the opportunity. The Cubs got their first hit of the game before Chase McCormick’s two-run long shot added a pair (3-1). A double followed the home run, then a triple handed Iowa a four-run advantage (5-1). Nick Sandlin came in to relieve Sawyer Gipson-Long on the mound. A fielders choice allowed run six and an RBI-single ran in shortly after. (7-1)
With two Hens on in the fifth, James Outman sent the ball flying on a three-run shot and the Hens were back in it (7-4). Bases were loaded again for the Hens, Max Burt pinch hit for Michael Siani. Burt grounded out but run five came home (7-5). Cruz tied it with a 2RBI-double before inning end (7-7).
Bennett Lee replaced Perez behind the plate in the sixth and stayed in to bat sixth for the rest of the contest.
The tie held for the next three frames; each team had one more chance to claim the victory in the ninth. Cal Stevenson sealed the deal for the Hens with his two-run bomb and Toledo’s third home run of the day. (9-7)
The Mud Hens return to Principal Park for the series finale on Sunday, September 13, and they look to conclude the series on with a win. First pitch is set for 2:08p.m. ET in Des Moines.
Notables
M. Anderson – 2/5, HR, 2R, 2RBI, BB
J. Outman – 1/5, HR, 3RBI
T. Cruz – 2/5, 2B, 2RBI, BB
C. Stevenson – 3/4, HR, 2R, 2RBI, BB