Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 31

If you remember what I wrote about J.R. Mathes the other day, I asked how J.R. got his nickname from Alfred George. I've heard from two people now, including J.R. himself, that the story is indeed correct: that he was nicknamed by his grandmother after J.R Ewing in hope that he'd be as ornery as the character on Dallas. Alfred George was also his dad's and his grandfather's name.

Anyway, J.R. couldn't have been nicer in answering my question and thanking me for writing about him. I truly wish him luck in whatever is next for him.

Daytona's win streak came to an end today and a first round pick got battered around in Lansing.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs silenced the Nashville Sounds (Brewers), 7-2.

Casey Coleman got his first win in his first game for Iowa. He got in trouble in the sixth inning, but did not allow a run before that. Coleman pitched 5.2 inning and allowed the two runs on three hits. He walked five and struck out six. He was also 2 for 3 with a double at the plate. He scored once and had one RBI.

First baseman Bryan LaHair went 2 for 3 with a double. He walked twice and had one RBI. Center fielder Matt Camp was 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. 

Shortstop Augie Ojeda made his season debut tonight. Ojeda went 2 for 3 with two walks. He also scored once.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies darkened the Huntsville Stars (Brewers), 2-1.

Nick Struck had a successful Southern League debut as he pitched six innings and allowed one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out four.

Rafael Dolis picked up the win when the Smokies pushed a run across in the top of the ninth. Dolis pitched two innings and allowed no runs on two hits. He struck out one and didn't walk anyone.

First baseman Blake Lalli singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth. Lalli was 1 for 4.

Left fielder Matt Spencer was 3 for 4 with an RBI.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs 12 game win streak came to an end as they were pinched by the Charlotte Stone Crabs (Rays) 7-0.

Dae-Eun Rhee started and took the loss. He pitched 4.2 innings and allowed four runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four.

The D-Cubs only managed three hits tonight. Third baseman Matt Cerda went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs lost to the Lansing Lugnuts (Blue Jays) 8-4.

Hayden Simpson had his roughest day as a professional as he didn't make it out of the first inning. Simpson allowed five runs on two hits, including a two-run home run, over two-thirds of an inning. Simpson walked three and struck out one.

DH Richard Jones went 4 for 4 with a double and two RBI. He scored once.

Shortstop Elliot Soto was 2 for 4 and scored once.