Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs split a double-header with the Omaha Royals, winning the first 6-2 and getting shut out in the second game, 2-0.

In the first game, Mitch Atkins had his second straight solid start after a month of  bad ones, going six innings  and allowing only two runs on four hits. Atkins walked two and struck out five.

Center fielder Sam Fuld was 2 for 2 with a double and a walk. He scored twice, batted two in and stole a base.

In the second game, starter Esmailin Caridad pitched well but took the hard-luck loss. He pitched four innings and allowed only one run on five hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.

The I-Cubs were held to only two hits by Royals pitcher Bruce Chen, whom I had no idea was still playing.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies came from behind tonight to edge the Mobile Bay Bears, 6-5.

Starter Hung-Wen Chen ran into some trouble in the fourth and fifth innings tonight. When he was removed from the game after throwing 4.1 innings, he had surrendered five runs on six hits. Chen also had poor control for him, as he walked two and only struck out one.

Jeremy Papelbon got the win in relief, allowing no runs of his own in 2.2 innings, although he did allow two baserunnners inherited from Chen to score. Papelbon allowed five hits, but didn't walk anyone. Papelbon struck out one.

Brian Schlitter has been pitching better lately, and he notched his tenth save for the Smokies tonight with a perfect ninth inning.

Center fielder James Adduci was 2 for 3 with a double and two walks tonight. Adduci had two RBI and scored twice.

First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. Shortstop Jonathan Mota was 3 for 4.

Daytona Cubs

Rained out.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs troubles continued as they were cut down by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 4-2.

Chris Archer got into trouble in the fifth inning tonight, which left him with the loss. Archer allowed three runs on four hits over 4.1 innings. He walked three and struck out four.

Second baseman Ryan Flaherty was 2 for 4 with an RBI. Left fielder Kyler Burke had another double tonight in a 1 for 4 game. Burke now has 26 doubles on the year, which leads the Midwest League by six.

Josh Vitters snapped his hitless streak with a 1 for 4 game.