Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 3

Congratulations to Kyle Hendricks, who was your choice for the BCB Minor League Pitcher of the Month. The official Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Month was also Hendricks while their choice for Player of the Month was Dustin Geiger.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were outlasted by the New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins), 10-5 in 13 innings.

Nick Struck had a rough start, allowing five runs on ten hits over five innings. Struck walked three and struck out four.

When Struck exited after five innings, the score was tied 5-5 and stayed that way until the top of the 13th. Jeffry Antigua pitched 2.1 scoreless innings and then Brian Schlitter retired all five batters he faced, striking out one. But the real strong relief work came from Hisanori Takahashi. Takahashi pitched three innings and only allowed one baserunner, a single in the 12th inning. Takahashi struck out five.

Eduardo Sanchez, unfortunately, did not continue the excellence of the bullpen after he entered the game in the top of the 13th. Sanchez took the loss after allowing five runs on four hits and three walks in his one inning of work. Sanchez did not have a strike out.

Center fielder Brett Jackson was 4 for 6 with his fourth home run, a solo home run in the third inning. Jackson scored two runs and had two batted in.

First baseman Brad Nelson was 2 for 5 with a double.

Catcher Steve Clevenger started his rehab assignment tonight and he hit a three-run double in the fifth inning. Clevenger was 1 for 3 before exiting after seven innings.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies swept a double-header from the Jackson Generals (Mariners), 2-0 and 7-1.

The first game was all about Kyle Hendricks, who picked up right where he left off in May by outdueling Taijuan Walker. Hendricks threw a seven-inning complete game shutout, He gave up seven hits. Hendricks struck out seven and walked only one.

Center fielder Matt Szczur led off the bottom of the first inning with a double and scored one out later on a single by DH Arismendy Alcantara for all the runs Tennessee would need. Szczur was 1 for 2 and Alcantara was 1 for 3.

Shortstop Elliot Soto and second baseman Ronald Torreyes both doubled in the fifth inning for the other run. Both hitters were 1 for 2.

In game two, starter A.J. Morris allowed one run on two hits over 4.1 innings. Morris walked two and struck out two.

Because Morris didn't pitch five innings, the win went to Tony Zych, who had 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. He allowed one hit and one walk and he fanned one.

Kevin Rhoderick relieved Zych in the top of the sixth and stranded two runners. He then came out for the seventh and got his second save, but not before loading the bases with one out after a single and two walks. But Rhoderick ended the game by inducing a 6-4-3 double play. Rhoderick did not strike anyone out.

Third baseman Christian Villanueva broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a two-run home run, his fifth of the year. Villanueva was 2 for 4.

Torreyes was a perfect 3 for 3 with a double in game two. He scored two runs and batted two in.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs were sunk by the Bradenton Marauders (Pirates), 5-3.

It was a decent start for Zach Cates, who gave up a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first but then settled down to allow only two runs on five hits over five innings. The other run he allowed was unearned. He walked three and struck out two.

Yao-Lin Wang relieved Cates and retired the first eight batters he faced. Then, with a one-run lead and two out in the bottom of the eighth, Wang allowed two singles and a home run to take the loss. Wang's final line was three runs on three hits over three innings. Wang didn't walk anyone and struck out three.

Catcher Yaniel Cabezas had two doubles in a 2 for 3 game. He scored one run and had one RBI.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars were harvested by the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins), 10-4.

It was a good start for Dillon Maples, who tossed five scoreless innings. He allowed only two hits. Maples struck out seven and walked three.

Lendy Castillo, on the other hand, relieved Maples in the sixth inning and allowed five runs on two hits and four walks. Castillo only retired two batters before exiting. Hey, both of the batters he retired he struck out.

Right fielder Reggie Golden hit his first home run since 2011. It came with the bases empty in the second inning. Golden was 2 for 4 with a walk.

Second baseman Gioskar Amaya was 2 for 5 and scored once. DH Rock Shoulders was 2 for 4 with a walk and one RBI.

Since everyone is fascinated with the guy, center fielder Albert Almora was 1 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. He stole one base and was caught stealing once.