There were a lot of games today, so I've got to keep the chit-chat to a minimum, but this article by Kevin Goldstein on espn.com explains when your favorite prospects are coming to the majors. It's an insider article, but the answer is "No one knows." It also explains why no one knows.
Big night for Brett Jackson.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs split a double-header with the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), winning game one 3-1 and dropping the nightcap 3-0.
In game one, the Cubs won behind the pitching of Austin Bibens-Dirkx, who gave up one run on two hits over six innings. He walked two and struck out nine for his first win of the year.
Chris Carpenter pitched the ninth for his first save of the season. He did walk two batters after getting one out, but then ended the game with a double play. He did not have a strike out.
Left fielder Lou Montanez was 2 for 3 with an RBI triple. He then scored from third on a double by Bobby Scales.
All you really need to know about game two was that Isotopes pitcher John Ely was one out away from a no-hitter when Marquez Smith doubled to break it up.
Robert Coello pitched six innings and allowed three runs on six hits, including a two-run home run. Coello walked one and struck out six.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies filleted the Carolina Mudcats (Reds), 9-5.
Starter Hung-Wen Chen just went for three innings tonight, as the Smokies successfully pulled off the College of Pitchers tonight. Chen allowed two runs on two hits and a walk. He did not have a strikeout.
Chen was relieved by Marco Carrillo, who threw four innings, allowing only one run on three hits to get the win. Carrillo walked three (one intentionally) and struck out two.
Center fielder Brett Jackson was 3 for 4 and was a single short of hitting for the cycle. The home run was a solo home run in the sixth inning and was his second homer this year. He had three RBI and scored that one time. He also walked once.
Jackson is hitting .419/.544/.721 in 13 games so far this season. He's also stolen six bases.
Third baseman D.J. LeMahieu homered two batters later for the first time this season. It was a solo home run. LeMahieu was 1 for 5.
Finally, catcher Steve Clevenger hit the third solo home run for the Smokies in the eighth inning. Clevenger also hit a double in a 2 for 5 night. He had two RBI and he scored twice.
First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 5 with a double. He scored once and had one RBI.
Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez and left fielder James Adduci were both 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. Adduci added a stolen base.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs moved back into a tie for first place with a 5-2 caging of the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
More College of Pitchers tonight as Brett Wallach, Kevin Rhoderick and Jeffry Beliveau each pitched three innings.Wallach allowed one run on three hits. Even better, he didn't walk anyone and struck out two. Rhoderick got his first win by giving up only one run on three hits and a walk. Rhoderick struck out four.
Finally, Beliveau got a real man's save by pitching three shutout innings. He gave up three hits but didn't walk anyone and struck out four. Bruce Sutter and Mike Marshall would be proud.
Right fielder Michael Burgess hit home run number five tonight in the bottom of the first with a man on. Burgess went 1 for 2 with two walks.
Shortstop Junior Lake was 2 for 5 with a double and a run. He stole two bases. Left fielder David Macias had an RBI in a 2 for 4 game.
Center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha continues to abuse the Florida State League, going 2 for 5 with a double. He scored once and had one RBI. Still hasn't walked.
I feel stupid telling you that Lakeland is a Tigers affiliate, but I guess the Indianapolis Indians are the Pirates Triple-A team. I can also tell you their pitching coach is Joe Coleman, Casey's dad.
Peoria Chiefs
The Peoria Chiefs didn't allow a single run as they swept a double-header from the Quad City River Bandits, 4-0 and 1-0.
Austin Kirk pitched the first five innings of game one, allowing only two hits. He walked two and struck out four for his first win.
Yohan Gonzalez pitched the final two innings and allowed only one hit. He didn't walk anyone and struck out three for his first save.
Second baseman Pierre LePage hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. LePage was 1 for 3 in game one and 1 for 4 in game two.
In the second game, Dallas Beeler got his first pro win with five innings. He allowed four hits and issued one walk. Beeler struck out five.
Bryce Shafer got his first save of the season by pitching the final two innings, allowing just one hit. He did not walk anyone and struck out three.
First baseman Greg Rohan was 2 for 3 with a double to extend his hitting streak to 12 or every game he's played this season. Rohan was 1 for 4 in game one.
Third baseman Arismendy Alcantara went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI single in the sixth inning. Alcantara went 0 for 2 with a walk in the first game.
Catcher Sergio Burrell was 2 for 4.