Let's just go straight to the weather report . . .err the games. Oh, in case you don't read all the way to the bottom, Josh Vitters is a broken record.
Iowa Cubs
Rained out.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies split a double-header with the Huntsville Stars, coming from behind to take the first game 8-6, and getting blown out in the second game, 7-1.
In the first game, starter Marcos Mateo went five innings and allowed two runs on six hits. Mateo walked two and struck out three.
David Cales has struggled since his promotion to AA. Today he gave up four runs on seven hits in only an inning of relief.
Todd Blackford got the win throwing a shutout seventh inning. He allowed one hit.
The Smokies came back in this game with a pair of three run home runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Center fielder Brandon Guyer hit a three-run bomb in the sixth inning and right fielder James Adducci hit a walk-off three-run shot in the seventh. Both were 1 for 3 in the game.
First baseman Russ Canzler was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Left fielder Ty Wright went 2 for 4 with a double, and RBI and two runs scored.
In the second game, starter James Russell took the loss. He allowed four runs on five hits over five innings. The bright spot was that he struck out six and walked only one.
In other Smokies news, third baseman Marquez Smith was named Southern League Offensive Player of the Week. Smith was 1 for 3 in the second game and 1 for 7 overall today.
Daytona Cubs
The game was delayed by rain, but Daytona finally got one in. Unfortunately, the result wasn't what they wanted as the D-Cubs were edged by the Palm Beach Cardinals, 3-2.
The Cubs got a strong start from Andrew Cashner tonight. Cashner allowed only one run on three hits over five innings. Cashner struck out five and didn't walk a batter.
Luke Sommer couldn't hold the lead in the ninth, however. Sommer allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. One of the runs Sommer allowed was unearned.
Center fielder Tony Campana had a double in a 3 for 5 night. Catcher Mark Reed was 2 for 3 with a triple and both Cub RBIs.
Peoria Chiefs
In another game with rain delays, the Peoria Chiefs ran into the Clinton LumberKings' buzzsaw, 9-3.
Chris Carpenter started the game, struck out all three batters he faced and then left the game. I don't know at this time if his early exit was weather or injury-related. I suspect it was because of the weather.
Then Jeff Beliveau entered the game and took the loss. Beliveau surrendered four runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings. He walked two and fanned three.
Chris Siegfried pitched well in relief. He tossed 3.1 shutout innings. He gave up two hits, walked two and struck out five.
Now for the Josh Vitters news, which you already know if you were listening to Bob Brenly during today's game. Vitters hit his 11th home run in the first inning tonight. It was his tenth homer in the month of May and his eighth home run in the last ten games.
Overall, Vitters went 2 for 4 tonight with an RBI and two runs scored. Some of you are going to be happier about this than the home run: He walked once tonight. No, it wasn't intentional.
He's kind of overshadowed by Vitters, but with a double tonight, Kyler Burke is now tied for the Midwest League lead. Tonight Burke was 2 for 4 overall with two RBI.