Dodgers Lose in Heartbreaking Fashion To I-Cubs

The Oklahoma City Dodgers scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning and moved the game-winning run into scoring position, but eventually fell to the Iowa Cubs, 5-4, Wednesday night at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers entered the bottom of the ninth inning trailing, 5-2, before drawing three straight walks from Iowa pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. to load the bases with one out.

Dodgers outfielder Antoan Richardson then lined out to Iowa second baseman Arismendy Alcantra for the second out of the inning before rehabbing Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Scott Van Slyke connected on a two-run single to cut Iowa’s lead to one run.

With runners at second and third base, Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes – who finished the night with a game-high three hits –  struck out for the game’s final out.

With the win, Iowa took a 2-0 lead in the four-game series between the division foes.

The Dodgers (26-25) took the first lead of the game in the first inning. Richardson singled, then scored on a one-out double by Barnes for a 1-0 lead.

Iowa’s Daniel Vogelbach led off the second inning with a triple, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Albert Almora Jr. to tie the game, 1-1.

The I-Cubs (25-26) took a 2-1 lead on a RBI double by Willson Contreras in the third inning.

Vogelbach led off the top of the fourth inning with a double, then scored on a RBI single by Almora for a 3-1 I-Cubs advantage.

Barnes singled in the bottom of the fourth inning, then scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Rob Segedin to cut Iowa’s lead to 3-2.

Iowa added two runs with two outs in the seventh inning on a RBI triple by Alcantara and RBI single by Contreras for a 5-2 lead.

Barnes finished the night 3-for-5, recording his fourth consecutive multi-hit game.

Iowa starting pitcher Drew Rucinski (4-4) was credited with the win, allowing two runs and seven hits over 7.0 innings. He walked one and recorded seven strikeouts. Edwards Jr. recorded his first save of the season.

Dodgers starting pitcher Carlos Frias (0-2) was hit with the loss, allowing three runs on five hits. He walked two and recorded eight strikeouts.

The series between the teams continues at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.