Friday Sept. 3, 2010
Posted: 8:40 a.m.
By Kevin Czerwinski
CSNChicago.com
CUBSIowa AAA
The I-Cubs have been in or around first place for much of the season in the Pacific Coast Leagues American North Division so falling back into a first-place tie with Memphis on Thursday night isnt putting them in an unfamiliar position.
Still, it left Iowa with the unenviable task of having to win three of four games from the red-hot Redbirds this weekend in regular season-ending series at Principal Park. The Cubs head into the final weekend of the season having gone 6-6 in their last 12 games while the defending PCL champion Redbirds have won nine of 10.
That Memphis owns the tiebreaker with the I-Cubs made Thursdays loss at Albuquerque of much greater import. So even though Iowa has held a share of the division lead for the last 47 days wont mean much if it get off to a slow start this weekend.
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The I-Cubs didnt get off to a slow start Thursday night, taking a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning before Austin-Bibens-Dirkx 5-4 ran out of gas. He allowed four of his five runs in that inning and Iowa never recovered. Bibens-Dirkx has had as much to do with Iowas mediocre play over the last two weeks as any other I-Cub. After beginning his Triple-A career in fine fashion, hes slumped badly, losing his last four starts and pitching to an 8.71 ERA in those games.
Brad Snyder remained hot, though, connecting for his 24th homer and driving in his 102nd run.
In other action, Peoria dropped a 5-3 decision at Kane County and was eliminated from the playoff race in the Midwest League.Boise eked out a 1-0 victory over as four pitchers held the Indians to five hits. Brent Ebinger started and earned the win, going five innings and striking out eight. Arismendy Alcantara brought in the games lone run in the third with a two-out single to right. He was 3-for-4.
WHITE SOXGreat Falls Rookie
Mike Earley scored on a fifth-inning wild pitch and that was the difference Thursday night as Great Falls defeated host Helena, 2-1. Steve Upchurch allowed a run over six innings to pick up his first victory since Aug. 1.
Kevin Czerwinski can be reached at ktczerwinski@gmail.com.