Iowa Cubs eliminated from playoff contention

The Iowa Cubs lost to the Oklahoma City Dodgers 11-3 Wednesday night, ending their playoff hopes in the process.

The victory, plus Oklahoma City's doubleheader sweep Tuesday, put the Dodgers up six games with five games remaining.

Oklahoma City (84-55) got the action started early when Andy Wilkins hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning.

It was the start of a rough day for Iowa pitcher Fernando Cruz. The right-hander exited after the fourth inning having given up 10 hits and 10 earned runs, including two more homers in the five-run fourth. Cruz walked two and struck out two.

Iowa (78-61) made a brief push in the third but they would score just once more off starter Eric Surkamp, who gave up nine hits and struck out seven across eight innings.

The Cubs conclude their series against Oklahoma City at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday.