Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 5

The second day of minor league baseball brought much better news than day one, although a couple of teams are still looking for their first win. The best news was a very impressive performance by the Smokies pitching staff, although I'm sure some of you will be excited by a certain home run.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were ionized by the Albuquerque Isotopes (Dodgers), 10-6.The loss was Iowa's eleventh straight loss to Albuquerque at Isotopes Park, a streak dating back to June 19, 2011. The game was scheduled as a day game to accommodate a George Strait concert.

Starter Drew Carpenter held the Isotopes to one only run over the first four innings, but the wheels fell off in the fifth inning. He allowed hits to the first four batters of the inning, exiting after allowing a two-run home run to Alex Castellanos. Carpenter took the loss after throwing 4+ innings and giving up five runs on six hits. He walked three and only struck out one.

All four I-Cubs pitchers allowed at least one run.

Third baseman Brad Nelson hit two home runs today. The first was a solo home run in the third inning that just carried over the left-center field fence because of the wind and altitude. The second was a two-run home run in the seventh off of Peter Moylan that was just crushed. Nelson went 2 for 4 with a walk.

Second baseman Logan Watkins had a perfect 3 for 3 with a triple and two walks. Watkins scored twice.

First baseman Brian Bogusevic was 2 for 3 with two walks. He scored two runs and batted one in. He also showed his inexperience at first base as he made his second error in as many days there, both because his foot couldn't find the bag.

Catcher Luis Flores and shortstop Edwin Maysonet were both 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies claimed their first victory of the season by frying the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Reds), 8-2.

The Smokies pitching was just dominating tonight. Three pitchers, Alberto Cabrera, Zac Rosscup and Trey McNutt combined to strike out 15 Pensacola hitters and walk none of them.

Cabrera pitched the first six innings. He gave up two runs on four hits while getting the win. Cabrera had nine Ks.

Rosscup followed. He went two innings and allowed only one hit while striking out five. McNutt threw a perfect final inning, striking out the final batter of the game.

Third baseman Christian Villanueva had a huge game, going 3 for 5 with a double and four RBI. Right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha was 3 for 5 with a double. He scored two runs and knocked one home.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs got the first win of the year for the Cubs minor league system by blanking the Brevard County Manatees (Brewers), 8-0.

Starling Peralta started and lasted 4.1 innings, allowing only one hit. He walked three and struck out five.

Ryan Searle was even more impressive finishing out the game. Throwing the final 4.2 innings, Searle allowed only two hits. He didn't walk anyone and he fanned six. Searle was eligible for the save because he pitched more than three innings, but because Peralta didn't go five innings, he took the win instead.

Shortstop Javier Baez's bomb in the top of the first inning gave Daytona a 2-0 lead that they would never relinquish. Baez was 2 for 5 with a double. He just had the one run scored and the two RBI.

Center fielder Zeke DeVoss had a huge day. He was 3 for 5 with a double and a triple. He also walked once and stole a base. DeVoss scored once and had two RBI. He also made a great catch on defense.

Left fielder John Andreoli was 3 for 4 with a walk. Andreoli scored two runs and had one batted in.

Third baseman Ben Carhart went 3 for 5 with a run scored. Catcher Chad Noble was 2 for 4 with a triple and a run scored.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars were held up by the Quad City River Bandits (Astros), 4-1.

The Cougars were done in by defensive miscues as all four runs allowed were unearned. Starter Tayler Scott pitched six innings and gave up one unearned run on four hits. He struck out six and walked no one.

The River Bandits scored three unearned runs in the eighth inning after an error by shortstop Marco Hernanrdez. Jeffry Antigua was on the mound and took the loss. He pitched three innings and allowed three unearned runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two.

Kane County's only run scored on double in the seventh inning by Rock Shoulders. Shoulders was 1 for 4.

Second baseman Wes Darvill was 3 for 4 with a double. Catcher Chadd Krist was 2 for 3 with a walk.