I guess I've got some good news with strong outings today from top prospects like Josh Vitters and Jay Jackson. Doubt it will really make anyone feel any better.
Iowa Cubs
The I-Cubs fell to the Fresno Grizzlies, 3-2.
J. R. Mathes pitched well today, allowing only two runs in a seven-inning start. Only one of the runs was earned. Mathes allowed only three hits and two walks. One of the hits was a home run. Mathes struck out one.
Jeff Stevens took the loss in relief, but he only allowed one unearned run in two innings. Stevens gave up two hits, walked two and fanned two.
First baseman Jake Fox was 2 for 4. Shortstop Andres Blanco scored twice and stole a base in a 2 for 4 effort. Second baseman Nate Spears went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies defenestrated the Birmingham Barons, 5-3.
Jay Jackson evened his record on the season to 3-3 with a strong start. Jackson allowed one run on three hits over six innings. Jackson walked three and struck out eight.
John Gaub picked up his first save of the year. Gaub walked one and struck out one in an inning of hitless work.
Catcher Steve Clevenger went 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Clevenger is now hitting .365 with a .447 OBP. Even though he doesn't have a lot of power, his status as a prospect is rising.
DH Blake Lalli was 2 for 4.
Daytona Cubs
With tonight's double-header called already, the D-Cubs have now had seven straight games called for weather, They haven't played a game since Tuesday. Does anyone else think a High-A franchise in Modesto sounds pretty good right about now?
Peoria Chiefs
The Chiefs clipped the feathers of the South Bend Silver Hawks, 4-3.
Starter Justin Bristow did his Houdini act today, as he allowed only one run on seven hits over only 3.1 innings. Bristow walked two and struck out five.
Kevin Kreier allowed one run on three hits over 3.2 innings. Kreier allowed two hits, walked one and fanned one.
Erik Hamren blew the save in the ninth inning, but got the win when the Chiefs scored in the bottom of the ninth. Hamren allowed one run on two hits over two innings. Hamren walked two and struck out one.
You may have heard that catcher Michael Brenly had the game-winning double in the ninth. Brenly was 2 for 4 with that RBI double.
Once again: Josh Vitters is good. Today Vitters hit his tenth home run and ninth in the month of May. Vitters went 2 for 4 with two RBI. I think we can say his power has arrived.
Shortstop Junior Lake scored twice in a 2 for 4 game.