Six-Run Fifth Sinks Iowa

COLUMBUS, OH – The Iowa Cubs (18-12) dropped the series finale to the Columbus Clippers (16-16) on Sunday by a score of 9-5, losing their first series of the 2023 season.

Iowa scored in the top of the first on an RBI single from Christopher Morel and padded their lead with another run in the second to go up 2-0. That lead would hold until the fifth inning, when Columbus’ offense exploded.

The Clippers scored six runs on a two-run double from Richie Palacios and a grand slam from Zack Collins to go up 6-2. They added a run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly and two in the seventh on a two-run home run from Bo Naylor.

After Daniel Norris allowed two runs in the first two innings, three relievers combined to cover six innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven. Iowa fought back with three runs in the ninth inning on a three-run home run from Jake Slaughter.

That is all they would score as the comeback fell short and Iowa dropped their third straight game for the first time all year.

POSTGAME NOTES:

• Iowa took 11 walks but went 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on-base.
• Bailey Horn kept his Triple-A ERA at 0.00 with two more scoreless innings today. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two.
• Cam Sanders struck out five consecutive batters over his two innings of work today.
• Jake Slaughter hit his fourth home run in as many days, giving him six on the year.

Iowa will get the day off tomorrow and host the Toledo Mud Hens at Principal Park beginning Tuesday, with a 6:38 pm first pitch. You can listen to all Iowa Cubs games on Hope AM940 and stream them for free on the Bally Live App. For more information and tickets, visit www.iowacubs.com.