Cubs Minor League Wrap--May 23

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were mauled by the Fresno Grizzlies, 8-2.

Starter Esmailin Caridad ran into trouble early and then settled down in a six inning start. Still, he allowed five runs, all in the first two innings, although only two of the runs was earned. Caridad was tagged for eight hits. He struck out seven and walked only one, so that's one positive result.

First baseman Jake Fox was 2 for 5 with a double. Shortstop Andres Blanco was 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies got untracked tonight by beating the Birmingham Barons, 5-2.

Casey Coleman improved his record to 4-1 by throwing five shutout innings. He gave up three hits. Coleman walked three and struck out only one.

Brian Schlitter notched his sixth save with a perfect ninth.

The Smokies had a pair of two-run homers tonight from catcher Welington Castillo and first baseman Russ Canzler. It was Castillo's fourth home run of the year and Canzler's second in AA and fourth overall on the year. Castillo went 1 for 3 with a walk and Canzler was 1 for 4.

DH Blake Lalli had two doubles in a 3 for 4 effort. Lalli scored once and batted one in. Second baseman Tony Thomas was 2 for 4 with a double and a walk.

Daytona Cubs

I suspect this is why Josh Vitters is staying in Peoria. Daytona has now had five straight games either postponed or cancelled because of weather.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were edged by the South Bend Silver Hawks, 3-2.

Marcus Hatley was the tough-luck loser tonight as he allowed three runs on eight hits over five innings. He did show some impressive command of the strike zone as he struck out eight Silver Hawks and only walked one.

Chris Huseby is settling into the late relief role. He had two shutout innings tonight, allowing only one hit. Huseby struck out one.

The Chiefs only managed three hits tonight. Josh Vitters did have one of them, an RBI single in a 1 for 4 game.