Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 21

Both Rizzo and Jackson played tonight in Iowa, so that's a sign they're getting called up to Chicago tomorrow. Or not.

One thing I do know: tonight's game in Des Moines was a sign that Manny Corpas isn't getting called up any time soon.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs gave up nine runs in the eighth inning and got flushed by the Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals), 12-7.

Casey Coleman actually turned in a strong start tonight that put the I-Cubs in a position to win. He went six innings and allowed two runs on five hits. He walked four and struck out seven.

Coleman was relieved by Jeff Beliveau in the seventh inning, and Beliveau pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh despite a hit and a base on balls. But then he started the fateful eighth inning and allowed a walk and a two hits to the first three batters he faced. Beliveau was then pulled and his final line for the night was one plus inning, allowing three runs on three hits. He walked one and struck out two.

Manuel Corpas enter the game after Beliveau exited and pored gasoline on the fire. Corpas allowed the next five men to reach base. He finally got an out with a strikeout, but then allowed a two-run home run to Eugenio Velez. Corpas had to finish the inning because the Iowa bullpen was shorthanded because of promotions to Chicago. Corpas's final line was one inning pitched, allowing six runs on five hits, including two home runs. He walked one and had two wild pitches. But hey, he did strike out the side.

Corpas mercifully didn't have to pitch the ninth as catcher Blake Lalli took the mound and gave up another run on two walks and a hit over two-thirds of an inning before infielder Alfredo Amezaga took the mound and got a pop up to end the carnage.

Right fielder Dave Sappelt hit his second home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning with a man on to get the I-Cubs to within four. Sappelt was 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. He scored three times and had just the two runs batted in.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo went 2 for 5 with three RBI. He scored once. Second baseman Adrian Cardenas was 2 foe 3 with a double and a walk. He had two RBI.

Center fielder Brett Jackson went 2 for 5 with a double. He scored once.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies clouded the vision of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Dodgers). 4-2.

Nick Struck started and picked up the victory with five innings of work, giving up two runs on four hits. One of the two runs was unearned. Struck walked three and struck out five.

Marcus Hatley threw a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save. He struck out one Lookout.

Center fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for 4 with a steal. He scored two runs.

Left fielder Ty Wright was 2 for 3 with two RBI. First baseman Rebel Ridling was 2 for 3 with one run batted in.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs won their second game in a row in big fashion, trampling the Tampa Yankees, 13-2.

Eric Jokisch got his first win of the season after giving up two runs over 5.2 innings. Jokisch surrendered seven hits and walked three. He struck out two.

DH Nelson Perez cranked his second home run of the year with two men on in the seventh inning. Perez was a perfect 3 for 3 tonight with two walks. On top of the three RBI, he crossed the plate four times. Perez also stole a base.

Third baseman Greg Rohan has been the D-Cubs hottest hitter lately, and tonight he was 2 for 5 with a two-run double that was part of Daytona's five run fourth inning. Rohan scored once and had three total runs batted in.

Shortstop Ronald Torreyes was 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored three times. Center fielder Matthew Szczur was 2 for 6 with a stolen base and two runs scored.

Right fielder Elieser Bonne doubled in a 2 for 5 game. He scored once. Catcher Sergio Burruel doubled and walked in a 2 for 4 effort. Burruel also scored once.

Second baseman Dustin Harrington was 2 for 5 with a double and a triple. He scored once and batted two in.

Peoria Chiefs

Just as Daytona put an end to their losing streak, Peoria's losing streak stretched to four games and the Chiefs were left behind for the winter by the Great Lakes Loons, 2-1.

Michael Jensen has had a great start to the season and today suffered what will have to end up as one of the most undeserved losses of the year. Jensen pitched seven innings and allowed two unearned runs on only two hits. Jensen walked one and struck out six.

First baseman Paul Hoilman was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Right fielder Oliver Zapata went 2 for 4.