Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 13

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs rode a six-run sixth inning to a 6-4 win over the Reno Aces (Diamondbacks).

Starter Nick Struck got his first win of the season. Struck allowed all four runs on eleven hits over six innings. Struck walked one and fanned four.

Zach Putnam pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save this season. Putnam struck out one.

The Iowa pitchers were greatly helped out by their defense, as they turned five double plays tonight, which tied a franchise record.

After the Cubs had tied Reno 3-3 in the third inning. shortstop Donnie Murphy gave Iowa the lead for good with a three-run home run, his first of the season. Murphy also doubled in a 3 for 4 night.

Third baseman Josh Vitters had a one-run single earlier in the sixth and first baseman Brad Nelson had a two RBI single.

Iowa had four hits and four walks in that six runs sixth inning. In the other eight innings they had three hits and no walks. They didn't get a single baserunner in the final three innings.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies scored four times in the top of the ninth to ambush the Jackson Generals (Mariners), 6-4.

Starter Dallas Beeler went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits. One of the three runs was unearned. Beeler waled two and struck out three.

Trey McNutt was the beneficiary of that comeback and collected his second win. He pitched one scoreless inning, the bottom of the eighth, without giving up a hit. However, he did walk two hitters and had two wild pitches that put a runner on third with two outs. McNutt struck out two.

Kevin Rhoderick pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the season. He struck out two of the three batters he faced.

Catcher Rafael Lopez and center fielder Rubi Silva both hit solo home runs in the top of the ninth to tie the score at 4-4. Both players were 2 for 4 with a double in addition to their home run. Lopez scored two runs and Silva just the one.

Right fielder Matthew Szczur had an RBI double in the top of the ninth to give the Smokies the lead. Szczur was 2 for 5 and he stole a base.

Left fielder Anthony Giansanti went 2 for 4. He singled and scored the sixth run in the top of the ninth. He had an RBI double in the seventh inning as well.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were cracked by the Charlotte Stone Crabs (Rays), 3-0.

Starter Zach Cates saw his record drop to 3-4 after he allowed three runs on eleven hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three.

The D-Cubs managed five hits, all singles. DH Zeke DeVoss was 2 for 4, as was third baseman Ben Carhart.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars were also shut out by the Clinton LumberKings (Mariners), 4-0.

Pierce Johnson started and took the loss. He gave up four runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits over six innings. He did strike out six and walk only one.

Second baseman Gioskar Amaya was 2 for 4, as was first baseman Dan Vogelbach.

VSL Cubs

I'm putting this here today just to let people know that I do not cover the Caribbean leagues. Any information contained in the box scores is pretty much worthless and it's not like I can listen to a radio broadcast on the internet. So opening day here will be the first and only time I mention the Cubs new Venezuelan Summer League team.

They lost 22-11 and committed six errors. Someone on the Rays hit for the cycle against them.