Results tagged ‘ alberto cabrera ’
Cubs Pitching, Castro, Beat Up Against Dodgers
Now THAT is an early Spring Training game if I’ve ever seen one, and I didn’t even see this one. It was a long, messy game that ended with the Cubs on the losing end of an 11-7 final, and holding their breath about a potential injury to their franchise shortstop, more on that later. It was a tale of two games for both teams really as seventeen of the eighteen runs scored in the game crossed the plate in the first five innings. 
Cubs pitching finally had a rough day, and it started with Brooks Raley. Raley was really knocked around, he was able to go one plus inning giving up four runs on five hits while walking one and striking out one. Thanks to an early surge by the Cubs offense Raley wasn’t on the hook for the loss, that honor went to Trey McNutt. McNutt didn’t pitch terribly in his outing, but he was hung with the loss as he couldn’t bail out Raley after he left and allowed an earned run of his own in an inning of work on two hits. Jaye Chapman, and Alberto Cabrera were also beat up pretty bad today as they combined to give up five runs, four earned, on six hits over three innings. Chapman was particularly bad as he only lasted a third of an inning giving up three runs, two earned, on two hits while walking two. The foursome of Michael Bowden, Hisanori Takahashi, Shawn Camp, and James Russell stopped the bleeding but it was too little too late.
As I mentioned the Cubs bats were alive and well early this afternoon as they held a 4-1 lead and pushed across seven runs in the first four innings. Both Nate Schierholtz and Darwin Barney had two hits, and they were productive as Schierholtz knocked in one with Barney driving in two. Javier Baez drew some oohs and aahs with a screaming line drive base hit that almost decapitated the Dodgers shortstop, the hit had twitter abuzz, and drew comparisons to Gary Sheffield after the game from Dale Sveum. Back to the Cubs holding their breath, Starlin Castro was 1-for-3 on the day, but had to leave the game after pulling up lame crossing first base after grounding out. Castro said after the game that he was worried when he first felt it, but he is confident it’s more tightness then a pull, he’s feelings were echoed by Sveum as well after the game, fingers crossed.
Thanks for reading,
- George
Cubs Bats Stay Cold on Tuesday
Justin Germano and Homer Bailey went back and forth early each throwing up zeros for the first five innings. Germano ran into some problems in the sixth when he walked the first three batters in the sixth inning and just like that Germano’s night was done. Manuel Corpas was brought 
into a tough spot and got Scott Rolen to fly out, but Ryan Hanigan delivered the big blow hitting a three run double into the right center gap. Corpas got out of the inning and pitched the seventh as well not allowing another hit. Alberto Cabrera and Jaye Chapman did their job keeping the Reds right where they were as they combined to pitch two scoreless innings. The Cubs threatened in the eighth when with one out Darwin Barney delivered his second hit of the game and would later score the Cubs lone run when Bryan LaHair lined a double down the right field line. Homer Bailey was really good for the Reds, but that would be the end of his night and in came our old friend Sean Marshall. After hitting Dave Sappelt he struck out Josh Vitters and got Anthony Rizzo to ground out to end the Cubs threat in the eighth inning. With no Aroldis Chapman the Cubs saw Jonathan Broxton in the ninth and did absolutely nothing going three up and three down to end the game losing 3-1. The Cubs offense was not good again on Tuesday only able to muster up four hits against the Reds, two of which were by Barney who extended his hitting streak to 13.
Game Highlights:
LaHair’s RBI Double
Jackson’s Running Catch
Sveum Postgame
Thanks for Reading,
-Mark
Updated: Cubs Top 20 Prospects
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo has done an updated top 100 prospects lists as well as each organizations top 20. Mayo will probably come out with a list prior to the 2013 season, but here is where Cubs prospects stand as of now according to Mayo. To check out the entire top 100 list and to read a little more on these Cubs prospects.
1. Javier Baez – SS (#24)
When the Cubs picked Almora they new his bat was going to play and that is exactly what happened. The Cubs top pick from 2011 was outstanding in his time with Peoria this year hitting .333/.383/.596 with 12 home runs, 33 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He struggled a bit when moving to Daytona, but overall it was very successful season for the young shortstop.
2. Albert Almora – OF (#52)
The Cubs top pick in this years draft didn’t sign right away, but when he did he didn’t disappoint. He started with the AZL Cubs and moved to Boise shortly after. Combined he played in 33 games hitting .321/.331/.464 with two home runs and 19 RBIs. He also hit 12 doubles.
3. Brett Jackson – OF (#74)
It has been an interesting year for Brett Jackson who has dropped a bit in the prospect watch. The good news first he has made it to the show and when he makes contact does some damage as he left Iowa with 22 doubles, 12 triples, and 15 home runs, to go along with 27 stolen bases. He also plays great defense, the bad news is he has really struggled making contact striking out over 200 times between his two stops.
4. Arodys Vizcaino - RHP (#76)
Vizcaino was considered one the Braves best young pitchers and was deemed untouchable last year. Things changed a bit this year as he missed the entire season after elbow surgery in March. The Cubs are very pleased to have acquired Vizcaino, but it remains to be seen how he will recover from surgery. Lets hope it is as a starter, but at the least he is a power arm out of the pen which the Cubs need badly as well.
5. Jorge Soler – OF (#77)
Jorge Soler did quite well in getting accustomed to baseball in America. He is still very raw, but at 20 the Cubs feel very strongly he will be a big contributor to the big club in the future. He spent time with the AZL Cubs and moved to Peoria where he finished the year. He combined to hit .299/.398/.463 with five home runs and 25 RBIs in just 34 games.
6. Matt Szczur – OF
The speedy outfielder had a nice season in Daytona hitting .295/.394/.407 with 38 stolen bases, but struggled a bit in 35 games with Tennessee.
7. Trey McNutt - RHP
McNutt did not have the year he was looking to have going 9-8 with 4.26 ERA. He struggled a bit and was moved to the bullpen, but maybe it will be better for him and the Cubs.
8. Junior Lake -SS
Lake played the entire year in Tennessee and did a pretty good job going .279/.341/.432 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. He is still very raw and will continue to work on his game.
9. Pierce Johnson – RHP
The Cubs took Johnson with the 43rd overall pick in this years draft and he did quite well making six starts, two with the AZL Cubs and four with Boise.
10. Josh Vitters - 3B
The former first round pick, number 3 overall finally put it all together this year in Iowa hitting .304/.356/.513 with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs. The PCL All Star got the call up, but has struggled so far with the Cubs, but at only 23 the future is still very bright for Vitters.
11. Dillon Maples – RHP
It took a while for Maples to make his first appearance, but when he did he showed signs of what he could be. He was a bit inconsistent in his six appearances, but he will have more opportunities next season to show what he has. He has tremendous upside.
12. Robert Whitenack - RHP
Coming off of Tommy John surgery Whitenack struggled pitching for Daytona going 1-6 with a 5.96 ERA. Although the numbers don’t look good, remember he is coming off of major surgery and has good upside.
13. Dan Vogelbach - 1B
Not many Cubs prospects did as much damage as Vogelbach did this year. The big first baseman played in 61 games this season between the AZL Cubs and Boise Hawks. He hit .322/.410/.641 with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs.
14. Ben Wells – RHP
A 2010 draft pick the 19-year-old Wells missed most of the season with a right elbow strain. He made a few appearances at the end of the year, but will look to stay healthy in 2013.
15. Paul Blackburn – RHP
Another 2012 draft pick Paul Blackburn was chosen 56th overall out of high school. He made nine appearances for the AZL Cubs going 2-0 with a 3.48 ERA.
16. Jeimer Candelario - 3B
Candelario played the entire season at Boise and at only 18 the corner infielder showed he can hit a little bit. The switch hitting Candelario hit .281/.345/.396 with six home runs and 47 RBIs.
17. Gioskar Amaya – 2B/SS
Amaya played his season in Boise and put up some good numbers. He his .298/.381/.496. The 19-year old filled up the stat sheet with six doubles, 12 triples, and eight home runs. He also drove in 33 and stole 15 bases.
18. Tony Zych - RHP
Zych shared time between Daytona and Tennessee out of the bullpen. He combined to going 5-4 with a 3.67 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 61.1 innings.
19. Alberto Cabrera – RHP
Cabrera, who moved to the bullpen this year started in Double-A, but quickly moved to Triple-A before finally ending up with the big club. His minor league numbers were really good going 4-1 with 3.11 ERA with 74 strikeouts to only 14 walks. He has struggled since coming to the Cubs, but we’ll see where he factors in going forward.
20. Marcus Hatley – RHP
Hatley pitched well in Tennessee out of the bullpen going 3-1 with a 3.40 with 46 strikeouts in 45 innings. He then got the call to Iowa where he struggled in his time there.
It is good to see the Cubs have five players who are inside the top 80 in MLB. You can also see the emphasis the Cubs placed on pitching, drafting Pierce Johnson and Paul Blackburn in this years draft as well as bringing in Arodys Vizcaino in the Paul Maholm deal. Looking a little further into things is the talent Theo Epstein and company brought in this year. They obviously brought in the three pitchers above as well as Albert Almora and Jorge Soler. three of those five are inside the Cubs top five and Pierce Johnson makes it four in the top 10. The exciting thing is there are more who they brought in who I would guess are close to cracking this top 20 and who may even show up in the top 20 before the 2013 season gets underway. Keep checking back this offseason as we will talk more in-depth about these prospects as well as many more.
Thanks for Reading,
-Mark
Cubs Beat Themselves in Rusin’s Debut
It doesn’t get weirder than that one, neither team could generate any offense, but somehow the Brewers managed to score five runs on three hits. The Cubs weren’t any better as they were only able to manage four hits on 
the night on their way to a 5-2 defeat. Chris Rusin made his major league debut and was very good, unfortunately he didn’t get any help from his offense and ended up taking the loss. Rusin went five innings giving up one run on one hit while walking two, hitting two guys, and striking out four. The Brewers “big” inning against Rusin was the fourth, they pushed across a run on one hit thanks to two hit batters and a walk. Rusin got Lucroy to ground into a double play with the bases loaded and one out to avoid any further damage. The Brewers broke it open in the 6th when Alberto Cabrera walked three guys then gave up one hit, all three guys scored, and it was all but over after that. The Cubs were able to score twice in the ninth inning but it was too little too late. Alfsonso Soriano had a solid day at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, he is now hitting .263 on the season with 76 RBI’s. The Cubs look to avoid the sweep this afternoon in Milwaukee as Travis Wood takes the mound against Yovanni Gallardo.
Game Highlights:
Chris Rusin’s Major League Debut
Castro’s RBI Groundout
Soriano’s RBI Single
Rusin’s First Career Hit…a Triple
Thanks for reading,
- George
Cubs Bats Stay Quiet in Loss to Dodgers
Chad Billingsley had his way with the Cubs lineup, as he usually does, and the Dodgers knocked around Jeff Samardzija en route to a 6-1 victory in Los Angeles. Samardzija was repeatedly beat tonight ahead in the count, which is rare for him. Shark just couldn’t put any one away, he lasted 5.1 innings giving up five runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out three on the way to his ninth loss of the season. As I mentioned the Cubs offense was nothing to write home about as they seemed to sleep walk their way through this one. They only managed four hits on the night, and finished 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Luis Valbuena was the only Cubs player to register an RBI as he knocked in Darwin Barney with an RBI double in the 5th to tie the game at one. Unfortunately the Dodgers poured it on from there, scoring twice in the 5th and 6th to make it 5-1 on their way to the victory. There was a bright side tonight, I promise. Scott Maine, Alberto Cabrera, and Jeff Beliveau all had scoreless outings, nice to see some success out of the bullpen by guys not named Russell and Camp. Small change to the rotation as Chris Volstad will get the start against Clayton Kershaw tomorrow night instead of Justin Germano. Full box score and highlights after the jump.
7/30: Around the Cubs Minor League System
July 30th Cubs minor league report.
The AZL Cubs and the Boise Hawks were off on Monday.
Beloit scored three in the eighth and held on to beat Peoria 5-3. Pin-Chieh Chen had a great game going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Zeke DeVoss led the game off in style with a home run, he added another hit and ended the game with two runs scored, two RBIs, and his 29th stolen base. Javier Baez and Dustin Geiger each added a double and Bijan Rademacher had a triple on the night. Chadd Krist also had a hit and he is now hitting .340. Joseph Zeller got the start, but did not factor in the decision giving up two runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings. Sheldon McDonald got the loss and Austin Reed pitched two scoreless innings in relief. The Chiefs record now stands at 50-55.
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Daytona got a little scare in the ninth, but still won pretty easily 8-4. The Cubs pounded out 14 hits including three from Rubi Silva. Ronald Torreyes continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs. John Andreoli also had two hits and reached base four times from the leadoff spot. he also scored a run and stole his 41st base of the season. Rafael Lopez, Elieser Bonne, and Matt Cerda all had two hits and an RBI. PJ Francescon got his second win of the season pitching six shutout innings. He only gave up three hits and struck out six. Frank Del Valle was very good in relief striking out four in just two innings.
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Tennessee got off to a good start in game one scoring five runs and holding on to win 6-3. Matt Szczur had his best game since moving to Double-A going 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Junior Lake stayed hot at the plate going 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Logan Watkins and Michael Burgess each had two hits and Justin Bour drove one in. Greg Rohan connected on his fifth home run, a three run shot in the first inning. Eric Jokisch pitched all seven innings gving up three runs on five hits and striking out two.
Tennessee won the second game of the double header beating Pensacola 3-2. Nate Samson was the only Smokies player to have a multi-hit game going 2-for-3 with a run scored. Juan Apodaca and Michael Burgess each had a hit as did Dustin Harrington and Nelson Perez. Matt Szczur drove in a run in game two. Casey Harman got the start and pitched well allowing no runs on four hits in four innings pitched. Casey Weathers got the win pitching a scoreless fifth innings striking out two. Frank Batista recored his 19th save of the season as he closed out game two on Monday.
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The Iowa Cubs lost another one on Monday losing to New Orleans 5-3. James Adduci had another great game, going 2-for-5 with a home run, double, run scored, and three RBIs. Dave Sappelt also had two hits and scored a run. Chris Rusin took the loss pitching 5.2 innings surrendering five runs, only one earned and struck out six. Alberto Cabrera had a nice night in relief striking out four in 2.1 innings. Iowa just can’t seem to get it together.
Thanks for Reading,
-Mark
7/27: Around the Cubs Minor League System
A quick look at the Cubs minor leaguers on Friday, July 27.
The AZL Cubs dropped a low scoring game to the AZL Athletics 3-1. Lendy Castillo got the start as he continues to work his way back allowing one run on two hits in four innings. He struck out six and took a no decision in this one. Tyler Bremer gave up two runs and took the loss. Carlos Martinez-Pumarino and Jin-Young Kim combined to pitch 3.2 scoreless innings, but the Cubs offense couldn’t come back. The Cubs got their run in the first when Albert Almora hit a two-run double and then scored on a Jorge Soler RBI single. Soler would add another hit on the night and stole a base. Carlos Penalver was the only other Cubs player to record a hit on Friday. This is not what we have come to expect from the Cubs, but they will get back on track soon.
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Boise exploded to beat Tri-City 8-3. The Hawks had five players with multi-hit games. Daniel Vogelbach was one of those going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Gioskar Amaya and Marco Hernandez each had two hits, wtih Amaya driving in two. Trey Martin and Xavier Batista also added two hits a piece. Wilson Contreras connected on his second home run of the season, a three run shot in the second inning. Willengton Cruz got his second win of the season out of the bullpen. He pitched two strong innings striking out four. James Pugliese started and gave up three runs in four innings of work. Michael Heesch and Su-Min Jung each pitched well in relief. After a tough 1-0 loss last night, it was nice to see Boise come back strong tonight.
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Javier Baez gave Peoria a lead with a two-run shot in the eighth and the Chiefs held beating Cedar Rapids 3-2. Baez’s 11th homer of the season turned out to be one of his biggest of his young career. He finished the game 2-for-3 and is now hit a robust .341. Wes Darvill also had two hits, including a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Austin Reed recorded the win in relief, his fourth of the season. Zach Cates got the start, pitching 5.1 innings allowing two runs on three hits, while striking out seven. Sheldon McDonald pitched two scoress inning in relief dropping his ERA to 1.91 on the season. It has been exciting following Baez this year and he continues to impress.
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Robert Whitenack and the staff were outstanding for the Daytona Cubs beating Bradenton 2-0. Robert Whitenack got his first win since coming back from Tommy-John surgery. He pitched five innings allowing no runs on two hits, while striking out four. Eduardo Figuerora struck out four in three scoreless innings in relief. AJ Morris closed the game out recording his second save of the season. The offense lost Matt Szczur who was promoted to Tennessee was able to get enough to win. Rebel Ridling hit his second home run of the season and had two hits. Timothy Saunders also had two hits including a double and a run scored. A big congrats to Robert and here’s to many more in the near future.
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Jacksonville was able to score two runs in three different innings defeating Tennessee 6-4. Junior Lake continued his hot stretch in this one going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Greg Rohan had two hits and connected on his fourth home run with the Smokies. Juan Apodaca also had two hits and an RBI. In his first game with Tennessee Matt Szczur went 0-for-4 with two strike outs. Ty’relle Harris started and took the loss going 2.2 innings allowing four runs on six hits. Zach Rosscup gave up two runs in 3.2 innings, but struck out an impressive six batters. Casey Harman and Kevin Rhoderick also pitched in the loss.
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Iowa wins, Iowa wins, Iowa wins. It has been a rough go as of late so to beat Okalahoma City 5-0 is great to see. Chris Volstad had his best start pitching eight scorelss innings. He only surrendered four hits, walking three, and striking out five. Alberto Cabrerea finished the game off throwing a scoreless ninth striking out two. Alfredo Amezaga led off going 3-for-5 and scored a run. Adrian Cardenas and Brian Esposito each had two hits with Cardenas hitting a double and scoring a run. Dave Sappelt had a triple and drove in two on Friday. Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson each recorded one hit and scored a run, Jackson also drove one in. Hope this is signs to come for Chris Volstad and the Cubs.
Thanks for Reading,
-Mark
7/21: Around the Cubs Minor League System
Cubs minor league recap for July 21, 2012
The AZL Cubs were postponed.
Boise jumped out on top of Eugene early scoring twice in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately that didn’t last for the Hawks as the Emeralds scored twice in the second and third to take a 4-2 lead. Eugene broke it open in the fifth inning scoring three times to make it 7-2 and put this one away. Boise tried to put together a rally in the 8th but they could only manage to plate two runs to make it 7-4 and that’s how it would end. Jose Arias got the start for Boise and struggled, he went 2.1 innings giving up four runs, three earned, on four hits while walking three and striking out two. The loss was the first of the season for Arias who fell to 2-1. Boise had their chances to say the least, they pounded out ten hits but could only score four times. They were 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base, that usually ends up in a loss. Gioskar Amaya, Stephen Bruno, Willson Contreras, and Xavier Batista all had two hits in the loss, Amaya collected his 8th triple of the season.
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It was an eventful first three innings Saturday Night as Peoria and South Bend combined for 10 runs. Unfortunately, Peoria came out of the first three innings trailing 6-4 on their way to losing to South Bend 6-5. Zach Cates got the start for the Chiefs and didn’t have his best stuff as he lost his third game of the season. Cates worked three innings giving up six runs, four earned on eight hits while walking none and striking out three. It was the Javier Baez show at the plate once again as the young star was 3-for-4 with his 10th home run of the season, his 5th triple of the season and two RBI’s, he added his 19th stolen base for good measure. Pin-Chieh Chen and Bijan Rademacher each had two hits for Peoria in the loss, Chen had a triple and Rademacher had a double.
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Kyler Burke was the hard luck loser for Daytona on Saturday night as he pitched well enough to win but couldn’t get any help from his offense. Burke went six strong innings giving up three runs, one earned on six hits while walking none and striking out two. With Daytona leading 2-1 in the six Jupiter pushed across two runs to take a 3-2 lead. Daytona couldn’t get any closer and Jupiter tacked on an insurance run in the 8th to take this one 4-2. Matt Szczur had a great night at the plate as he pushed his average to .290 on the season. He was 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Rubi Silva went 2-for-3 with an RBI, he is now hitting .309 on the season.
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Game suspended in the 7th tied at 8, full recap tomorrow once the game has been completed.
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Things started off well enough as the I-Cubs scored twice in the top of the 1st inning to take a 2-0 lead over the Isotopes. That lead didn’t stand for long as Albuquerque scored eight runs in the bottom of the first and the rout was on. The Isotopes added one in the second, five more in the 5th and single runs in the 7th and 8th to win this one going away 16-3. Casey Coleman was awful, no other way to describe it. Coleman’s night mercifully came to an end after 2.2 innings, he gave up nine runs all earned on ten hits while walking four and striking out three. Alberto Cabrera came in to stop the bleeding, but he reopened the wound in the 5th. Cabrera tossed two innings in relief giving up five runs, two earned on six hits while walking one and striking out five. On the bright side, Josh Vitters had a solid night at the plate going 2-for-4 with his 14th home run of the season and three RBI’s. Adrian Cardenas and Dave Sappelt each chipped in with a double but it obviously wasn’t enough.
Thanks for reading,
- George
7/16: Around the Cubs Minor League System
A trip through the Cubs minor league system.
Wow AZL just continue to score this time beating the AZL Athletics 11-8. The Cubs had some new heroes on Monday. Shawon Dunston Jr. had two hits, hit a his first home run and knocked in four. Daniel Lockhart, Timothy Saunders, and Jacob Rogers all had two hits and Rogers added to RBIs. Ben Carhart also had two RBIs and Dan Vogelbach drove in his 27th run of the season. Lendy Castillo continued his rehab assignment pitching three innings allowing no runs on only two hits. He also struck out four. The rest of the pitchers on Monday struggled, but David Henrie was able to pick up his fourth win of the season.
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Tied at five in the bottom of the ninth, up stepped Jeimer Candelario. He promptly ended the game hitting a walk-off home run giving Boise the win 6-5. Bijan Rademacher and Stephen Bruno each had three hits in the win, with Rademacher scoring three runs. Marco Hernandez added two hits including a triple and drove in one. Rock Shoulders and Carlos Escobar each contributed with an RBI each and Xavier Batista had two RBIs. Eduardo Orozco pitched well again pitching two scoreless innings and getting the win. He has not allowed a run in eight innings pitched this season in Boise. Starting pitcher Jose Arias pitched five innings allowing three runs, two earned on four hits and striking out four.
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Peoria scored seven times in from the fifth inning on and beat Bowling Green 8-3. Paul Hoilman was outstanding at the plate going 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs. Pin-Chieh Chen also collected three hits. He also scored three and drove in one. Chadd Krist continued his impressive streak adding two hits and driving one in. Javier Baez had yet another hit and had two RBIs. Starling Peralta earned his third win of the season pitching five scoreless innings. He struck out five, walked three, gave up five hits. His ERA now stands at 2.81. It was a good win for Peoria on Monday and will look to build on that.
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Four early runs proved to be all Charlotte would need beating Daytona 5-3. Kyler Burke struggled early, but settled down allowing four runs on nine hits in six innings. He took the loss on Monday and his record at Daytona stands at 1-3. Offensively, Matt Szczur and Rebel Ridling each had two hits. They both scored a run and they each had a double. Szczur stole two bases bring his total to 32 and Ridling added an RBI. Elieser Bonne had a double and an RBI and Matthew Cerda drove in a run as well.
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Tennessee was able to score eight runs, but it was not enough losing to Jackson 10-8. The 2-3-4 hitters for the Smokies did an unbelievable job as each of those hitters had three hits. Jae-Hoon Ha was 3-for-5 with triple, home run, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Logan Watkins and Justin Bour each had three hits, with Bour driving one in. Greg Rohan and Nate Samson had two hits a piece, with Rohan adding an RBI. Junior Lake and Michael Brenly only had one hit, but each drove in two and Brenly hit his fourth home run of the season. The pitching was not so good on Monday. Starter Ty’relle Harris only was able to last 2.2 innings as he gave up six runs. Zach Rosscup and Trey McNutt each surrendered two runs in their two innings of work. McNutt took the loss, his eighth of the season. It’s always tough to lose, but when you score eight and lose it is really tough.
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Iowa had one of the those games again where they aren’t good in any aspect. They were outhit 16-4, made two errors, and lost 6-1 where it really counts. I guess I will start with the offense on this one. Brett Jackson hit his league leading 11th triple and scored the Cubs lone run when he was driven in by Adrian Cardenas. Josh Vitters had another hit, as did Blake Lalli and James Adduci. Rodrigo Lopez took the loss in this one allowing 12 hits and four runs in just five innings. After Ryan Rowland-Smith gave up two more, Alberto Cabrera and Michael Bowden didn’t allow another run in the last 1.1 innings. Not a good one for Iowa on Monday.
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Thanks for Reading,
Mark
7/14: Around the Cubs Minor League System
A look at the Cubs minor leaguers on Saturday.
The AZL Cubs did it again on Saturday beating the AZL Padres 13-3. After a couple rough nights, Timothy Saunders got back on track going 4-for-6 with a double, home run, three runs scored, and five RBIs. He raised his average back up to .493. Equally as impressive has been Dan Vogelbach, and he didn’t disappoint on Saturday. He had two hits, including a double and drove in four. The Cubs got three hits out of Daniel Lockhart and Jacob Rogers and they combined to score five runs on the night. Shawon Dunston Jr. and Garrett Schlect each added two hits a piece and Carlos Penalver hit a triple and drove in two. One of this year’s supplemental picks Paul Blackburn got his first start of the year. He pitched one inning and allowed a run, but it was good to see him pitch. Carlos Martinez-Pumarino recorded his third win of the season striking out four and allowing only one hit in three innings. The Cubs have been really impressive so far.
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Two four run innings was plenty for Boise beating Vancouver 9-3. The Hawks were led offensively by Trey Martin and Marco Hernandez. Martin was 2-for-4 with a triple and a home run. He also scored two runs and knocked in four. Hernandez also had two, including two doubles and driving in three. Lead-off hitter Gioskar Amaya did his job well on Saturday going 2-for-3 with a walk. One of his hits was a triple and he scored three runs. Hawks got an RBI a piece from Stephen Bruno and Bijan Rademacher. Ian Dickson got the start, but did not factor in the decision as he only pitched 4.1 innings. Pete Levitt picked up his first win in relief pitching 1.2 scoreless innings. Michael Hamann and Rafael Diplan combined to pitch the last three innings of the game securing the Boise win.
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In a back and forth game Peoria was able to come out on top 9-8 in ten innings. Chadd Krist played the role of hero winning the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the tenth. He ended the night 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI. Javier Baez had his best night as a professional going 3-for-5 with a home run and a triple. He also scored a run, drove in four and stole his 16th base. He now has a ten game hitting streak and his batting average now stands at .319. Taiwan Easterling and Paul Hoilman each had two hits and Easterling drove in two. Michael Jensen got the start giving up six runs in 5.1 innings of work. Yao-Lin Wang got the win pitching a scoreless tenth inning.
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Daytona watched a six two lead slip away late when Palm Beach scored seven times in the last two innings to win 9-6. Despite walking five and allowing six hits starter Austin Kirk was in line for the win, but was let down by his bullpen. Kirk left only allowing two run, one earned in six inning of work lowering his ERA to 2.59. After a dominate one inning of work by Eduardo Figueroa, Jeffrey Lorick and Brian Schlitter really struggled combining to give up seven runs, five earned over the next 1.1 innings. There were a few bright spots from the offense on Saturday for the Cubs. Ronald Torreyes was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. John Andreoli, Rafael Lopez, and Elieser Bonne all had two hits with Bonne driving one in. Matt Szczur and Rebel Ridling each had an RBI a piece and Taylor Davis drove in two. Another tough loss for Daytona on Saturday.
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Michael Burgess and Juan Apodaca‘s power was on display Saturday leading Tennessee to a 4-2 win on Saturday. Apodaca hit a three-run homer and Michael Burgess hit a solo shot, his tenth of the season. That was all the offense the Smokies would need as Dae-Eun Rhee and the bullpen would do all the rest. Rhee gave up two runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out six in route to his sixth win of the year. Tony Zych pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three and Marcus Hatley came in to shut it down. That he did striking out three in two innings of work recording his fourth save of the season. It is nice to see Tennessee come out on top of a well-played game from both teams.
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A seven run second from Omaha was all they needed beating Iowa 7-1. Randy Wells got the start and was terrible allowing seven runs on six hits in just 1.2 innings pitched. As bad as Randy Wells was the offense couldn’t get much going either. James Adduci had two hits and scored a run, the only Cubs player with a multi-hit game. Dave Sappelt drove in the Cubs lone run. Josh Vitters had his 27th double of the season and Brett Jackson also added a hit. Other than that there wasn’t much to the game at the plate. Casey Coleman pitched 5.1 good innings in relief not allowing a run and striking out three. Alberto Cabrera had another nice outing out of the pen striking out one in one inning of work.
Thanks for Reading,
Mark
