It may not have been on the level of the Big Z, but the Cubs had a no-hitter tonight! So tonight we lead off with the . . .
Peoria Chiefs
Nick Struck threw a rain-shortened no-hitter tonight as the Chiefs turned the hoses on the Clinton LumberKings, 4-0 in 4 1/2 innings.
A second-inning walk was Clinton's only base runner, and Struck promptly picked him off of first base. The game ended when the skies opened up after the top of the fifth inning. He struck out five and recorded the seventh no-hitter in Chiefs history and the first complete game no-hitter since 1988. The last Chiefs no-hitter was in 2007 by four pitchers, including starter James Russell.
Struck improved his record to 2-2.
The Chiefs used the long ball in the fourth inning to put away the LumberKings. First DH Greg Rohan hit a solo home run, his third of the year. Rohan was 1 for 2. Later in the inning, right fielder Richard Jones hit a two-run home run. Jones was 2 for 2. Catcher Jonathan Mota was also 2 for 2 and scored twice.
There was another no-hitter in the Midwest League tonight, as Cedar Rapids had three pitchers combine to throw a nine-inning no-hitter against Kane County. It was only the second time in Midwest League history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs were subjugated by the Omaha Royals, 4-1.
Starter J.R. Mathes took the loss. He gave up three runs on six hits over 6.1 innings. He walked two and struck out four.
The I-Cub offense only managed four singles tonight.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies ended their three-game losing streak by burning down the Chattanooga Lookouts, 8-4.
Chris Carpenter got his first win of the season tonight. Carpenter allowed only one run on a solo home run to Scott Van Slyke (yep, Andy's kid). He gave up four hits total and walked two while striking out four.
Jake Muyco notched his fifth save of the season. He pitched 1.1 innings and allowed one run on three hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one.
Right fielder Matt Spencer was the big bat tonight. Spencer, playing only his second game for Tennessee after being promoted from Daytona, was 2 for 3 with a double three-run home run in the ninth inning. He also walked twice. Spencer scored twice and had four RBI overall.
Catcher Robinson Chirinos continues to hit the ball. Chirinos went 2 for 5 and scored twice. First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 5 with a double. Lalli had one RBI and scored once.
Starlin Castro was 1 for 3 with a walk. I don't want to go too long without mentioning him because people will worry otherwise.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs were bitten by the Clearwater Threshers, 4-3.
Starting pitcher Dae-Eun Rhee took the loss tonight as he gave up all four runs in only 4.2 innings. Rhee was touched for eight hits including one home run. If you're looking for good news, Rhee didn't walk anyone and struck out four.
DH Josh Vitters went 4 for 5 with a double. He scored once and batted one in. Center fielder Brett Jackson went 3 for 4 with a double and a walk. Jackson stole two bases. He scored once.
Right fielder Kyler Burke was 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Left fielder Nelson Perez was 2 for 4 with two doubles. Second baseman Marwin Gonzalez was 2 for 5 with a stolen base.