Minor League Wrap--May 5

Lots of scoring tonight.  I guess they were just waiting for me to start writing again.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs were blitzed by the Sacramento River Cats, 16-7.

It's not always a good sign when a player gets promoted.  Sometimes guys move up the ladder because they need a warm body up there and the organization doesn't care if they're in over their head, unlike some of the higher-ranked prospects.  One wonders if that's what happened to Justin Berg. In just his second start in AAA, Berg got rocked for nine runs on seven hits and three walks in only 1.1 innings of work. Geoffrey Jones also pitched poorly in relief, allowing five runs in 1.2 innings. Carmen Pignatiello allowed a run in 1.1 innings.  Unfortunately, that lowered his ERA to 10.38.

To be clear, I'm not saying the Cubs want Berg to fail.  It just may be that they're less concerned if he fails than if Samardzija or Veal were to fail in the PCL.

Jake Fox went 2 for 4 on the afternoon that included his sixth home run of the season (and third stolen base).  Matt Murton went 2 for 4 and center fielder Andres Torres had two hits in five ABs, as well as stealing his second base of the season.

Tennessee Smokies

Jeff Samardzija got his season back on track with his third win of the season in a 6-1 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts.

The Shark gave up only one run on four hits in 5.2 innings.  He walked two and struck out five, which ties a season high.  Samardzija also doubled, scored a run and caught two touchdown passes from Brady Quinn.

Ed Campusano, Jesse Estrada and Rocky Roquet combined to finish the game without allowing another run to score.

Center fielder Tyler Colvin went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI.  Left fielder Matt Camp went 3 for 5 with two runs scored and a stolen base.   Catcher Chris Robinson hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fourth.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs scored seven runs in the final two innings to beat the Ft. Myers Miracle going away, 9-1.

Esmailin Caridad got the win to move his record to 3-2. Caridad allowed one run on six hits in 6.2 innings.  Caridad struck out one Miracle and walked no body.  Grant Johnson saw his first action of the season, pitching a perfect ninth inning.

Right fielder Jim Adduci and first baseman Blake Lalli both had the same line:  2 for 5 with a double, a run scored and an RBI.  Second baseman Tony Thomas went 2 for 4 with a triple and a walk. Third baseman Josh Lansford went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI.  Left fielder Russ Canzler went 2 for 3.

Every D-Cub had a hit except Jonathan Wyatt, and Wyatt walked twice.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs shucked the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 5-2.

Making only his second start of the season, Billy Muldowney was impressive despite allowing two runs in 3.2 innings.  Muldowney allowed three hits, but walked only one and struck out seven.  Jordan Latham then got the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.  Latham allowed one hit, walked two and struck out three.  Steve Vento pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save of the season.

Right fielder Cliff Andersen went 3 for 5 with his second homer on the year, a three-run shot in the seventh inning.  Catcher Josh Donaldson hit his third home run of the year, and his second in three games, in a 2 for 4 night.  Left fielder Dylan Johnston went 2 for 3.