Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 18

If Al wants to break out my tactic of recapping games by saying "Nothing to see here. Move along," he's welcome to use it. I try not to break that out more than once or twice a season though and never in April. Still, it seems appropriate tonight.

Every once in a while, I look at my LP collection and say "Man, didn't I like any music made after 1989?" Then I think "Oh yeah. Duh."

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs melted down against the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), 6-4.

Starter Jay Jackson took the loss because he couldn't keep the ball inside of Isotopes Park. Tonight he allowed five runs, all of which scored on two home runs: a two-run home run in the second and a three-run home run in the sixth. Beyond that, he was fine. Jackson lasted 5.2 innings and allowed the five runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out five.

Manuel Corpas pitched the rest of the way, allowing a run on four hits.

Second baseman Luis Valbuena homered with a man on in the third inning. It was his second home run this year. Valbuena also doubled and walked in a 2 for 3 evening.

Isotopes pitcher Fernando Nieve hit Anthony Rizzo, the next hitter after Valbuena's home run, and was promptly ejected from the game. Catcher Welington Castillo would then double Rizzo home to give Iowa their only lead of the night.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies split a double-header with the Huntsville Stars (Brewers), losing game one 2-1 and winning the second game with a 1-0 shutout.

Dallas Beeler pitched out of a lot of jams, but he did so effectively in his 5.2 inning start. He gave up one unearned run on nine hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Kevin Rhoderick got the final out of the sixth inning, but allowed a leadoff triple to start the seventh. After getting one ground out, he allowed a walkoff RBI single.

Third baseman Jonathan Mota was 2 for 3 and scored the lone Smokies run on a Michael Brenly double in the second inning.

In the second game, Ryan Searle dominated for the first four innings, allowing only two hits. He walked no one and struck out five. But because he didn't go five innings, the win went to Casey Weathers, who pitched an inning of relief without allowing a hit. He walked one and struck out two.

Fireman Frank Batista had a two-inning save in game two. He allowed two hits but walked no one. Batista struck out one.

The only run of the game came on a second inning solo home run by left fielder Ty Wright, playing in his first game since being demoted from Iowa. Wright was 2 for 3.

Daytona Cubs

Mercifully had the day off. They'll be back home against Tampa tomorrow night.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were sacrificed to the corn gods by the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 5-2.

Starting pitcher Jose Rosario pitched 4.2 inning and allowed four runs on seven hits. One of the four runs was unearned. Rosario walked two and struck out six.

First baseman Paul Hoilman was 2 for 4 and scored once.