7/28 Zambrano update

Carlos Zambrano gave up three runs on three hits in the seventh inning in the Iowa Cubs’ 14-12 win over Albuquerque Tuesday night. Zambrano, making his third appearance for Iowa, got the first batter to ground out but Jamie Hoffman singled and Big Z then hit A.J. Ellis with a pitch. Pinch-hitter Michael Restovich singled to load the bases and Zambrano walked Elian Herrera to force in a run. Trent Oeltjen struck out and Ivan DeJesus Jr. followed with a two-run single to close to 13-11. Russ Mitchell grounded out and end the inning. Zambrano threw 32 pitches, 20 for strikes.

Jay Jackson gave up seven runs on eight hits over five innings for the win. The Iowa Cubs scored six runs in the fifth. Welington Castillo hit a grand slam, Brad Snyder had four RBIs and Micah Hoffpauir drove in three runs, hitting one on his 16th homer.

Zambrano, on the restricted list, was expected to join the Cubs Friday in Denver.

– Carrie Muskat