Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 17

And a belated happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. I celebrated by leaving my daughter home with a baby sitter tonight. (Hey, I didn't schedule the Jenny Lewis concert.)

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs ended their six-game losing streak by atomizing the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), 3-2.

It looked like another rough start for Iowa starter Chris Volstad when he gave up two runs in the first inning. But he settled down after than and didn't allow another run over the next five innings. Volstad allowed seven hits and two walks over six innings, He struck out six.

Michael Bowden relieved Volstad and got the win with 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Bowden allowed only one hit. He struck out four and didn't walk anyone.

Scott Maine grabbed his fifth save by retiring the final four batters without incident. Maine struck out one.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo put the Cubs ahead for good with a massive home run to right-center field in the bottom of the seventh with a man on. It was Rizzo's 23rd home run so far this year, Rizzo was 1 for 3 with the two RBI and was hit by a pitch. If he stays in Iowa, he'll no doubt smash Bryan LaHair's team home run record of 38, set just last season. Of course, it seems unlikely he'll stay around in Iowa that long.

Rizzo didn't hit the only Iowa home run today, as shortstop Alfredo Amezaga led off the bottom of the first with a home run. Amezaga was 2 for 4 and scored a second time on Rizzo's home run.

Third baseman Josh Vitters was 2 for 3 with a double. He was also hit by a pitch.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies fell under the suzerainty of the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 5-3.

Starter Trey McNutt took the loss after allowing five runs over 5.2 innings. McNutt gave up nine hits, three of which were home runs. McNutt walked one and struck out three.

Second baseman Logan Watkins went 2 for 4 with a triple. Watkins had two RBI.

Shortstop Elliot Soto went 3 for 4. He scored once and batted one in. DH Junior Lake was 3 for 4.

The Smokies finished the first half even at 35-35.

Daytona Cubs

Back from the All-Star break tomorrow.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs usurped the Clinton LumberKings (Mariners), 10-5. The Chiefs finish the first half with a winning record of 35-34.

The Chiefs were supposed to finish last night's game before this one was played, but the game was cancelled due to unplayable field conditions. Apparently, it's not a good idea to go tarp sliding in the rain while wearing your cleats. Minor leaguers. They'll learn.

The Chiefs ground crew were able to get the field in a playable condition for game two, and Michael Jensen started and got his seventh win. He pitched six innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He walked no one and struck out three.

It was an easy win for Jensen as the Chiefs gave him a 10-0 lead after five innings. First baseman Paul Hoilman homered with a man on in the bottom of the first inning. It was his sixth home run of the season. He later had a two-run double that gave him four runs batted in on the day. Hoilman was 2 for 5.

Center fielder Pin-Chieh Chen went 2 for 4 with two stolen bases. Chen scored twice and knocked one in.

Third baseman Dustin Geiger was 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. Catcher Sergio Burruel was 2 for 4 with a double. He scored twice. Right fielder Oliver Zapata also went 2 for 4 with a double. Zapata scored once and knocked two in.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks were buried by the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (Giants), 4-3.

The problem with the Hawks is definitely not starting pitching. Tonight Tayler Scott made his season debut and he pitched five shutout innings. Scott gave up three hits. He struck out four batters and walked two.

Pete Levitt took his second loss tonight. He entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with Boise leading 3-0 and allowed two runners inherited from Hayden Simpson to score. He allowed two one out singles in the ninth inning before exiting. Both runners then scored on a pair of two-out singles off of Bryce Shafer. Levitt pitched 1.1 innings and allowed two runs on three hits and a walk. He did not have a strikeout.

Third baseman Jeimer Candelario went 2 for 4 with two runs batted in. Second baseman Gioskar Amaya was 2 for 3 with a walk. He also had an RBI.

Center fielder Shawon Dunston Jr. got his first two professional hits in a 2 for 4 game. Dunston scored once.