Here they come, spinning out of the turn, the Cubs' minor league affiliates heading into the home stretch.

Iowa Cubs
Sean Gallagher was throwing strikes (65/100 pitches, 8 K's), but not getting enough guys out to last past the fifth inning.  But the Iowa offense came through again, with 6 unanswered runs after the sixth inning.  The result: a 9-8 win over New Orleans.  G. Soto had a homer and single, Eric Patterson walked three times (and only got picked off first once), Ronny Cedeno went 2-3 plus 2 BB, and John Nelson added a homer.  Billy Petrick struggled again in relief.

Tennessee Smokies
Mark Holliman also only lasted five innings, and the Smokies lost 5-2 to Chattanooga.  Tyler Colvin didn't start, and ended up 0 for 2.  Catchin' Casey McGehee and Sam Fuld had three hits each.
The Smokies are now 3.5 games out with 9 remaining.

Daytona Cubs
Paul Schappert threw a complete game 4-hitter, beating Vero Beach 4-1.  Jeff Rea, Steve Clevenger (at DH today), and Ryan Harvey had two hits each.

Peoria Chiefs
The Chiefs lost 2-1, mustering only 6 hits and 2 BB against Beloit.

Boise Hawks
Tony Thomas had at least 3 runs score, and Josh Donaldson had at least 3 RBI in the game against Yakima.  Read all about it.

AZL Cubs
Late game.