Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 8

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs split a double-header with the Nashville Sounds (Brewers), winning game one 5-4 and losing the nightcap 6-0.

In game one, Rodrigo Lopez allowed four runs on ten hits over the first six innings. Lopez did not issue a walk and struck out six.

Mike MacDougal pitched the top of the seventh and collected his first win when the I-Cubs came back in bottom of the inning, but it wasn't easy. MacDougal loaded the bases with only one out on two singles and a walk. But MacDougal got Jordan Brown to hit into an inning-ending twin killing, thus escaping with no runs scoring. MacDougal did not have a strikeout.

For the second straight game, left fielder Ty Wright had a walk-off hit. Tonight it was a bases-loaded single that scored first baseman Anthony Rizzo with the winning run. Wright was 2 for 4 with a double.

The aforementioned Rizzo hit his 18th home run of the season in the fifth inning with the bases empty. Rizzo went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Shorstop Luis Valbuena also hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. He went 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Valbeuna now has seven home runs this season.

Third baseman Josh Vitters was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in. His single in the bottom of the seventh tied the score and set up Wright's walk-off hit.

In the second game, Ryan Rowland-Smith pitched pretty well, but took the loss because the I-Cubs couldn't score. He allowed one run on two hits over four innings. He walked two and struck out four. He also doubled, which was one of only four Cubs hits in the second game.

Michael Bowden picked up where he left off, giving up three runs in a third of an inning. He had a hit and walked two. I'll just take this opportunity to point out that Marlon Byrd was designated for assignment tonight by Boston and Hunter Cervenka has been awesome for the Chiefs.

Center fielder Brett Jackson went 2 for 3 with a double. Jackson now has a 17 game streak of reaching base.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies signaled a victory over the Mississippi Braves, 5-4.

Nick Struck pitched the first six innings, allowed three runs on seven hits. Struck didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

Kevin Rhoderick had a frightening save, but he did have a save. He pitched just the ninth inning and walked the first two batters he faced. After two ground outs, the first on a botched bunt, and another walk to load the bases, Rhoderick got a fly out to record his seventh save.

Welington Castillo started his rehab process tonight playing first base for the Smokies and hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. Castillo went 2 for 3 with three RBI before exiting after five innings.

Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 3 with two walks and two stolen bases. Watkins scored twice.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs split the booty of a double-header with the Bradenton Marauders (Pirates), winning game one 3-2 and losing the second one 4-3.

Robert Whitenack pitched the first two innings and allowed a run on three hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out one.

Hayden Simpson got the win with two innings of relief. Simpson allowed a run on two hits. He neither walked nor struck anyone out.

Tony Zych pitched a perfect seventh inning for his fifth save. He had one strike out.

Most of the offense in game one came from first baseman Greg Rohan, who was 2 for 3 with a double and his 11th home run of the year. Rohan's home run came with a man on in the bottom of the first.

In the second game, P.J. Francescon gave up three runs over five innings, but two of the three runs were unearned. Francescon only walked one and struck out six.

The defense let down losing pitcher Jeffrey Lorick as well, as he gave up one unearned run over two innings. Lorick surrendered one hit and one walk while striking out two.

Daytona took on former #2 pick in the draft Jameson Taillon and got three runs on eight hits against him. DH Arismendy Alcantara was 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI. He also stole a base.

Shortstop Ronald Torreyes was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI.

Greg Rohan went 2 for 4 in game two with an RBI, making him 4 for 7 in the twin bill.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs pitching staff allowed two runs tonight, but Peoria still finished the three-game sweep of the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Angels), 4-2.

Starting pitcher Jose Rosario pitched five innings and gave up two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out four as he won his fifth game of the season.

Yao-Lin Wang pitched a perfect ninth to record his seventh save. Wang struck out two.

Left fielder Anthony Giansanti went 3 for 4 with a run batted in. Catcher Yaniel Cabezas was 2 for 3.

Center fielder Pin-Chieh Chen was 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. He also knocked one in.