Cubs Minor League Wrap -- May 13

The minor league action is all done this afternoon, so I'm going to post this now and spend the evening with my family.  Maybe it will give all you guys and gals something to talk about if the Cubs are dodging raindrops tonight.

Iowa Cubs

The I-Cubs ripped the Colorado Sky Sox a new toe hole, 18-4.

Starter J.R. Mathes was the beneficiary of this offensive explosion, but he pitched pretty well himself. Mathes allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings. Mathes struck out three and improved his record to 5-3.

The Iowa Cubs ripped out 25 hits this afternoon, so it's hard to pick an offensive star of the game.  I guess the honor could go to second baseman Nate Spears, who was 4 for 5 with three doubles and a walk.  Spears scored three times, had two RBI and stole a base.

Catcher Chris Robinson and shortstop Andres Blanco each had a four-hit day with a double. Robinson stole a base.

Center fielder Sam Fuld, third basman Matt Camp and left fielder Doug Deeds were the 1-2-3 hitters in the Iowa lineup and each of them had three hits. Deeds had a triple and his second home run of the season. Deeds also stole two bases, scored four times and batted three in.

First baseman Jake Fox didn't hit a home run, but he kept his batting average above .400 by going 2 for 4 with a double and two walks. Fox scored once and had three RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies edged the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 3-2.

Starter Jay Jackson had his third straight quality start this afternoon. Jackson allowed two runs on five hits over his six-inning start.  Jackson walked two and struck out five.  After the game, he went to play laser tag and race go-carts--and no, I'm not kidding on that. (Thanks Twitter!)

John Gaub got the win in relief. Gaub didn't allow a hit or a run over two-thirds of an inning.  He walked one and struck out two.

Brian Schlitter recorded his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. Schlitter gave up a hit and a walk, but ended the game by getting the Diamond Jaxx to hit into a double play.

Right fielder James Adduci went 2 for 4 with a double and all three Smokie RBI. He also stole a base. Third baseman Marquez Smith had a double in a 2 for 4 effort.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs sunk the Tampa Yankees, 9-6.

Andrew Cashner had his typical short start today. Cashner allowed two runs over 2.2 innings. Cashner gave up five hits.  One of the runs was unearned. Cashner had some control problems: although he only walked one, he hit two batters as well. Cashner did strike out four.

Craig Muschko got the win in relief. Muschko allowed two runs on four hits over 2.1 innings.  Muschko didn't walk a batter and struck out four. After my rant the other day, I will note that Muschko wasn't awarded the win because Cashner didn't go five: he was on the mound when the Cubs took the lead for good.

Jake Muyco entered the game with two out and the bases loaded in the ninth inning. He struck out the only batter he faced to get his second save of the season.

Left fielder Marwin Gonzalez went 2 for 4 with a triple and a stolen base. He scored twice and had three RBI.  However, he left the game in the bottom of the ninth after a single to left field with what was described only as an "injured head." When I have more on that, I'll pass it on, but Daytona is already missing two outfielders with head injuries.

Jonathan Wyatt went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.

Shortstop Starlin Castro continues to be hot at the plate and cold in the field. Castro went 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI.  He was caught stealing once.  But the bad news is that he made two errors in the field for the second game in a row.

Peoria Chiefs

Are already rained out, so those planning on going to the game this evening, don't bother.