Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 4

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs ran the Colorado Spring Sky Sox (Rockies) through the wringer, 5-1, snapping a seven-game losing streak.

Starter Chris Rusin did everything he could to snap the streak. He allowed a run in the first inning on two doubles and then shut the Sky Sox down for the next six innings. Rusin pitched seven innings and allowed one run on four hits. He walked only one and struck out eight.

Rusin exited after seven with a 1-1 tie, so Michael Bowden got the win after throwing a perfect eighth inning.

Iowa exploded for four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, mostly through a tremendous three-run blast to left field by third baseman Josh Vitters. It was his 17th home run this season. Vitters was 1 for 4.

Vitters home run would not have been possible without right fielder James Adduci beating the throw to first on an attempted double play what would have ended the inning. Adduci's ground out scored the go-ahead run. He was 1 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies split a double-header with the Jackson Generals (Mariners), winning game one 6-5 and dropping the second one 8-7.

In game one, Nicholas Struck won his league-leading 12th game after allowing three runs in five innings. He gave up six hits. Struck did not walk anyone and struck out one.

Frank Batista gave up two runs in the sixth inning, but settled down in the seventh inning to get his 20th save. Batista allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over two innings. He struck out one and allowed one home run.

First baseman Justin Bour hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning. He was 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored twice in game one.

Right fielder Mike Burgess had two doubles in a 2 for 4 game. He had two RBI. Third baseman Junior Lake went 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Lake scored twice and had two batted in.

In game two, Casey Harman threw the first three innings and allowed one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Casey Weathers relieved Harman and had some serious control problems. Weathers allowed three runs on one hit, four walks and a hit batsman in the one inning he pitched. He did have one strike out.

First baseman Justin Bour hit a two-run home run in game two as well. Bour was 2 for 2 with two walks in the second game, making him 4 for 5 with two home runs and three walks on the day. Bour scored twice and had three RBI. Bour has fourteen home runs this year.

Catcher Mike Brenly went 2 for 4 with two RBI. Shortstop Logan Watkins was 1 for 2 with a double and two walks. Watkins scored three runs.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs' bête noire is the Dunedin Blue Jays, who crushed Daytona 12-5. Daytona is 2-12 against Dunedin this season.

Starter Matt Loosen took the loss after allowing seven runs on four hits over two innings. Only four of the seven runs were earned, thanks to errors by Christian Villanueva and Rubi Silva. Loosen walked two and struck out two.

First baseman Rebel Ridling homered in the second inning with the bases empty. It was his third Daytona home run and eleventh overall. Ridling was 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Right fielder Elieser Bonne went 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. He scored one run and knocked one home. Center fielder Rubi Silva was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Shorstop Javier Baez was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in his Daytona debut.

Peoria Chiefs

The Peoria Chiefs were subjugated by the Clinton LumberKings (Mariners), 8-1.

Knuckleballer Joe Zeller threw the first 3.2 innings and allowed six runs on eight hits. One of the six runs was unearned. Zeller walked one and struck out three.

Catcher Chadd Krist was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the second inning. It was Krist's second home run this year.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks beat the Spokane Indians (Rangers), 6-2.

Tayler Scott won his fourth game of the season after he allowed two runs, one earned, over 5.1 innings. Scott gave up five hits and issued one walk. He struck out two.

Matt Iannazzo threw 2.2 scoreless innings of relief and Nathan Dorris pitched one.

First baseman Dan Vogelbach was 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBI. Outfielder Stephen Bruno was 2 for 4 with a double and three runs scored.

AZL Cubs

Day off.