I apologize to those who follow me on Twitter (@CubsMinorsWrap) for not having any game updates tonight. I spent the day at the dentist again today. Although it wasn't nearly as painful as the last time I was there, that was primarily a result of the large amounts of painkillers they pumped into me. The consequence of that was that I slept through most of the baseball action tonight.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs were left behind by the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies), 13-6.
There were two big pieces of news in this game. The first was the start of Doug Davis and all in all, it wasn't too bad. Davis pitched 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits. For Colorado Springs, that's acceptable. Even better, he struck out five and didn't walk anyone.
He was relieved by Thomas Diamond, who continued his nightmarish season by lasting only 2.1 innings and giving up nine runs on seven hits. He walked three, hit a batter and struck out one. If you're looking for a bright spot, only four of the nine runs Diamond allowed were earned.
I'm starting to come around to Jessica's line of thinking on Diamond. He's not doing anyone any favors in the starting rotation, including himself. He's not getting replaced until they have someone to replace him, but if Davis gets activated soon someone is going to have to go down. Justin Berg has started games before.
The other big news was that catcher Welington Castillo was removed from the game immediately after Geovany Soto exited the Cub game.
First baseman Bryan LaHair had his second straight two home run game tonight with a two-run home run in the fifth and a solo home run in the eighth. Combined with the two home runs LaHair had in the last game he played, he's now doubled his home run total from 4 to 8 in just two games. LaHair also doubled tonight in a 4 for 5 game. He scored three times.
Shortstop Jonathan Mota was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Center fielder Tony Campana were 2 for 5 and scored once.
Tennessee SmokiesThe Tennessee Smokies were outshined by the Huntsville Stars (Brewers), 7-5.
Starter Brooks Raley took the loss after allowing five runs on eleven hits over four plus innings. He was OK through four innings but then allowed the first five batters of the fifth inning to reach base, three of which scored. Raley only walked one and he struck out one.
Catcher Blake Lalli hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, his third on the season. Lalli was 2 for 5.
Shortstop Marwin Gonzalez went 3 for 3 with two doubles. He scored once and had one RBI.
Daytona Cubs
The streaking Daytona Cubs hammered the Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) 4-2 for their eighth straight win. That improves their record to 24-8, which is now tied with the Columbus Clippers for the best record in all of baseball.
Zachary Rosscup collected his second win with five shutout innings. He allowed three hits and issued four walks. He also struck out four.
Frank Batista gave up a run on a solo home run in two innings of relief, but got his ninth save anyway. He surrendered three hits total. He walked one and struck out one.
First baseman Justin Bour hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, his ninth of the year. Bour was 3 for 4.
Catcher Luis Flores hit a solo home run in the seventh inning. It was his first this season. Flores was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.
Peoria Chiefs
Richard Jones singled home Matt Szczur in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Chiefs a 2-1 victory over the Burlington Bees (Athletics).
Hayden Simpson started but was pulled from the game after only one inning. Simpson gave up two hits and a walk in that inning, but pitched out of trouble without allowing a run. Simpson struck out one. As of tonight, there's been no explanation as to why Simpson was pulled.
Eric Jokisch has been piggybacking Simpson all year, and he entered the game early tonight and pitched 6.2 innings. He allowed only one run on six hits. He walked two and struck out five.
Yohan Gonzalez pitched a scoreless 11th inning and got the win. He gave up one hit but walked no one. He struck out one.
Right fielder Richard Jones, besides singling home the winning run, went 4 for 5 with a double and a walk. Center fielder Matt Szczur was 2 for 5 with a walk. He was caught stealing for the first time this season.
It was good to see Greg Rohan get in a game for the first time in ten days after what has been described as "flu-like symptoms" in the Peoria newspaper. He walked in a pinch-hitting appearance.