Cubs Minor League Wrap--April 9

Tonight's wrap starts with a question from last night. Andrew Cashner struck out ten in 4.1 innings last night, including the first seven batters he faced and nine of the first ten.  But he got into trouble in the fifth inning and didn't make it out of the inning. His final line was 4.1 innings pitched and three runs allowed on three hits, including one home run. He walked two and struck out ten.

I was pretty upbeat about that line because of the way he dominated the first four innings. But it was pointed out that only going 4.1 innings and allowing 3 runs wasn't all that good.  So the question is:  Are you encouraged or discouraged by Cashner's start last night?  I'm not including a "meh" option--Be a man or a woman and take a stand.

Someone needs to tell Daytona the season has started.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were on the wrong frequency against the Nashville Sounds, 5-2.

Starter Jay Jackson came down with a case of gopheritis tonight. Other than that, he pitched well. He allowed three runs on five hits over five innings. All three runs scored on two home runs. Jackson walked one and struck out four. He picked up the loss.

The I-Cubs showed some power too as both of their runs scored on solo home runs by left fielder Jason Dubois and right fielder Micah Hoffpauir.  Hoffpauir was 1 for 4 and Dubois was 2 for 4.  First baseman Bryan LaHair was 2 for 3 with a walk.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies improved their record to 2-0 with a 5-4 victory over the Mississippi Braves.

Jeremy Papelbon got the start tonight and lasted four innings. He allowed three runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out two. 

Marco Carillo got the win with two innings of shutout relief. He allowed two hits and didn't walk anyone. Carillo struck out two.

Jake Muyco made it interesting by allowing two singles in the ninth, but he eventually picked up the save. He pitched one inning. He neither struck out nor walked a batter.

Two games into the season and center fielder Tony Campana already has four stolen bases. He had two more tonight as he went 3 for 4 with a walk. He scored two runs. Right fielder Brandon Guyer also had two steals in a 2 for 4 night.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were sunk by the Brevard County Manatees, 7-0.

Starter Chris Rusin had a rough night. He allowed six runs on seven hits and a walk over only four innings. Rusin struck out three.

Last night the D-Cubs managed only one single. I guess you can at least consider the six singles they hit tonight as an improvement. First baseman Ryne White was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were sawed in two by the Clinton Lumber Kings, 5-4.

Starter Jeffry Antigua went five innings tonight and allowed only two runs. Both runs scored on a two-run home run. Antigua allowed only three hits and one walk. He struck out five.

Reliever Corey Martin gave up a walk-off home run to lead off the bottom of the ninth. Martin final line for the night was 1+ inning pitched, allowing one run on one hit and a walk. He struck out one as well.

Center fielder Jose Valdez went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. He also stole two bases, although he was picked off second after stealing one of them.

Catcher Mario Mercedes and right fielder Alvaro Ramirez were both 2 for 4 with a run scored.