Offense Silenced in Game Five Loss

DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Cubs (22-18) scored just two runs and dropped game five of the series by a score of 3-2 to the Columbus Clippers (26-15) on Saturday at Principal Park.

Columbus jumped in front in the second inning when they got a two-run blast from David Fry. Fry drove in a third run in the top of the fourth with a sacrifice fly, giving the Clippers a 3-0 lead.

Nelson Velazquez brought Iowa back within a run in the home half of the fourth, clubbing the second home run of his Triple-A career.

From there, both bullpens took over, not allowing another run to score through the final five frames. For the fourth consecutive game, Iowa’s bullpen was dominant, combining to throw four scoreless frames.

Unfortunately for the I-Cubs, Columbus’ relievers matched them pitch-for-pitch, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings of their own to earn their second win of the series.

POSTGAME NOTES:

• Nelson Velazquez provided all of the offense for Iowa tonight with the second home run of his Triple-A career. The blast went 438 feet and came off the bat at 111 miles per hour.

• For the fourth consecutive game, Iowa’s bullpen kept Columbus off the board with four scoreless innings. Wyatt Short and Brendon Little combined to allow just two hits and one walk while striking out six.

• Matt Swarmer suffered his first loss of the season tonight, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out three. He allowed one home run along the way, suffering his first loss since September 23, 2021, against St. Paul.

The I-Cubs and Clippers will meet for the sixth and final game of the series tomorrow, with first pitch scheduled for 1:08 pm at Principal Park. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.