The Iowa Cubs had only three hits but that was still enough to edge the St. Paul Saints 3-1 on Tuesday night at CHS Field.
The Cubs scored twice in the first inning when Saints starter Jhoan Duran ran into control issues. He walked two and then Michael Hermosillo doubled to make it 1-0. Another run scored on a force out.
Duran only got two outs before leaving after issuing a third walk.
Five Iowa pitchers limited the Saints to four hits and one run in the eighth inning when Brent Rooker walked with two outs and the bases loaded. Four of his teammates had one hit apiece, all singles.
St. Paul (17-19) had no hits through the first five innings.
The three pitcher s following Duran were all effective, especially Bryan Sammons. He pitched 5⅓ innings, giving up one run and one hit. He struck out two, walked four.
Shaun Anderson pitched one scoreless inning, and Robinson Leyer two. Neither of them gave up a hit.