Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs swept a double-header from the Portland Beavers, 3-0 and 3-2.

In the first game, Rich Hill got the start and his first win in the PCL this season. Hill threw 5.2 innings of shutout baseball, allowing only three hits.  The bad news was he walked four.  More good news is that Hill struck out eight Beavers. Jose Ascanio pitched the final 1.1 innings without allowing a baserunner for his eighth save of the season.  Ascanio struck out two.

Sam Fuld went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI.  Andres Torres saw his 24 game hit streak come to an end with an 0 for 3.

In the second game, Justin Berg continued to struggle in AAA, as he started and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks in three innings.  Berg struck out one.  Randy Wells got the win by tossing a perfect fourth inning in relief.  Andy Cavazos got his first save of the season with a perfect seventh (and final) inning.

Neal Cotts threw 1.1 innings and allowed no runs on one hit, walked no one and struck out one.  Cotts ERA is now 1.31 in 20.2 innings.  He's allowed 15 hits, nine walks and has struck out 23.  I'm just saying. . . .

Right fielder Josh Kroeger went 1 for 2 with a two-run home run and a walk.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies fell to the Huntsville Stars, 7-2.

Yesterday, Jeff Samardzija struggled.  Today, it was Donnie Veal's turn to get knocked around.  Veal pitched 4.2 innings and gave up five runs, although only two of them were earned.  He allowed eight hits, including two home runs, and walked two.  Veal did strike out five.  I guess that's something.

First baseman Jake Fox went 1 for 2 with two walks and an RBI.

Daytona Cubs

Scheduled off-day meant doing whatever young, single ballplayers in Daytona Beach do.  Needlepoint, I think.

Peoria Chiefs

Although most of the Midwest League was rained out, the Chiefs managed to show up and got chopped down by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 12-4.

Zach Ashwood got walloped and his record dropped to 0-5.  Ashwood threw only 2.2 innings and gave up 10 runs, 8 of which were earned.  The home run was his enemy as Ashwood allowed four balls to leave the yard.  He gave up eight hits and four hits.

First baseman Jovan Rosa went 3 for 3 with a walk and a double.  Third baseman Marquez Smith had a 2 for 5 afternoon with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI.  Catcher Josh Donaldson went 2 for 5.  Left fielder  Elvis Lara went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI.