As much as I've made fun of Bob Brenly for being proud of his kid, (and honestly, we'd all be just as proud of our kids, we just don't have a microphone) I do want to say that I love the attention he's been giving to the Cubs system. And his speech tonight to get out and see a minor league ballgame was right on the mark. Today's minor leagues really are providing affordable fun and a chance to see some baseball. Sure, the quality might not be the same as you'd see in the majors (although on a night like this it would be hard to tell the difference) but the cheering is the same, just more intimate. They'll always have stuff going on in-between innings to keep you, your kids or your teenager entertained. There are plenty of teams throughout the Midwest and across the country, both in organized and independent baseball. Of course, the prices can't be beat.
Lately, I've been the only one around here with any good news, but tonight was a rough night in the minors too. Everyone lost.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs were downed by the Oklahoma City RedHawks, 5-1.
Starter J.R. Mathes took the loss, giving up five runs over five innings He allowed seven hits, he walked three and struck out four.
First baseman Micah Hoffpauir was 2 for 4 with a double. He scored the I-Cubs lone run. DH Jason Dubois was 2 for 4.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies were extinguished by the Montgomery Biscuits, 3-2.
Chris Rusin made his AA debut a good one, but he took the loss anyway. Rusin gave up only one unearned run on four hits over five innings. Rusin walked three and struck out four.
Shortstop Nate Samson was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a double.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs were pillaged by the Bradenton Marauders, 11-5.
Robert Whitenack made his first start for Daytona and got roughed up for six runs over four innings. He surrendered eight hits. Whitenack walked two and struck out four. One of the runs allowed was unearned. I guess that's something.
Shortstop DJ LeMahieu was 3 for 4 and scored a run. Second baseman Ryan Flaherty went 3 for 5 and scored once.
Third baseman Junior Lake was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. He had one RBI and committed two errors.
Center fielder David Macias hit a solo home run, his second of the season. Macias was 1 for 5.
Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs were bitten by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 5-1.
Starter Ryan Searle allowed four runs on five hits over five innings. He walked three and struck out three as his record with the Chiefs dropped to 5-6.
The Chiefs had three singles, a walk and a hit batsman tonight. Center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 1 for 3 and scored on an error after stealing second and third base.
Boise Hawks
The Hawks were shut down by the Tri-City Dust Devils, 3-0.
Starter Eric Jokisch made one mistake, a solo home run, which gave him the loss. Otherwise, he pitched four innings and allowed four hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out four.
Right fielder Alvaro Ramirez was 2 for 4 with a double. He was the only Hawk to have a hit tonight.
AZL Cubs