Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 12

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs ionized the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), 8-2.

Starter Chris Rusin had a strong start this afternoon. He allowed only two runs on six hits over seven innings. He walked two and struck out one. It was Rusin's first win of the season.

The I-Cubs put this one away early with a five-run third inning. They did it without an extra base hit; getting five singles and two walks. All five runs scored after two were out.

Right fielder Dave Sappelt extended the lead to 6-0 with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Sappelt also had a two-run single in that third inning to give him three RBI in his 2 for 5 effort. Sappelt scored twice.

Third baseman Josh Vitters extended his hitting streak to start the season to eight games and he's had two hits in each of the last four games. Today Vitters was 2 for 4 with a double. He scored once and had one RBI.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo was 3 for 4. He also scored once and had one RBI. Left fielder Ty Wright went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Wright scored twice. Shortstop Matt Tolbert was also 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored twice.

Second baseman Luis Valbuena was 2 for 5 with an RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies succumbed to a counter-attack by the Jackson Generals (Mariners), 4-1.

The Smokies, like the Chicago Cubs, have been getting excellent starting pitching this season and that continued tonight as Dallas Beeler allowed only one run on three hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Alberto Cabrera got the loss when he allowed three runs in the top of the eighth. Cabrera pitched two total innings and gave up the three runs on two hits and two walks. One of the three runs was unearned.

Shortstop Elliot Soto went 3 for 4 with the lone RBI when he singled home Michael Brenly in the third. DH Michael Burgess was 2 for 4 with a double.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs got ambushed by the Tampa Yankees, 5-4.

Hayden Simpson got in trouble early when he allowed two runs in the first. But he settled down after that and allowed only one run the rest of the way. Simpson lasted 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out one.

AJ Morris got the loss in relief when he gave up two runs in the bottom of the eighth. Morris pitched just the one inning and the two runs scored on three hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one.

First baseman Richard Jones had two of the Cubs five hits. It also looked like Jones had tied the game or perhaps even given the Cubs the lead with two out in the top of the ninth when he hit a line shot down the right field line that only the umpire seemed to think was foul. Instead, he struck out to end the game. He scored once and had one RBI.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs felt the venom of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), 4-2.

Patrick Francescon started and got the loss. He pitched 5.2 innings and gave up three runs on six hits, including two solo home runs. Francescon didn't walk anyone, although he did hit two batters and throw two wild pitches. He struck out three.

Catcher Rafael Lopez was 3 for 4 with an RBI. All three singles went to the opposite field.

DH Reggie Golden crushed a ball off the center field wall with one out and the bases empty in the top of the ninth. But he collapsed rounding first base and had to crawl back for a single. It appeared to be something with his left leg. He was helped off the field and was not putting any weight on it.