Cubs Minor League Wrap: July 26

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were deep-sixed by the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Astros), 10-6.

It was a grim first game with the Cubs for Justin Grimm, and I hope I don't have to use that line again. (I'm sure Justin has never heard it before). He took the loss after he allowed seven runs on eight hits over only two innings. Grimm walked two and struck out two.

Most of the Cubs offense came from first baseman Edgar Gonzalez, who hit an RBI double in the fourth inning and then cleared the bases with a three-run double in the the seventh. Gonzalez was 2 for 4 with the four RBI.

DH Brad Nelson went 2 for 4 with a two-run double in the fifth. He scored one run. Shortstop Donnie Murphy went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were out-dazzled by the Huntsville Stars (Brewers), 9-8.

Starter A.J. Morris got knocked around for six runs on seven hits, including a two-run home run, in only three innings. Morris walked two and struck out three.

This was a game that went back and forth until Kevin Rhoderick took the mound in the seventh and gave up a run on three walks and a hit in only two-thirds of an inning. He did not have a strikeout. The loss dropped Rhoderick's record to 1-4.

The Smokies hit three home runs in this game. The first was hit by third baseman Christian Villanueva, who hit a solo home run in the second inning, his 13th of the season. Villanueva went 3 for 5 and scored twice.

Three batters later in the second inning, catcher Rafael Lopez launched his eighth home run with a man on. Lopez was a perfect 3 for 3 and he also doubled and walked. Lopez had three total RBI and he scored twice.

The third home run came in the fourth inning when first baseman Justin Bour cranked hit third home run in as many games and thirteenth of the season. Bour was 1 for 5 with the one run batted in.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs made the Palm Beach Cardinals blue, 4-2.

It was win number five for Matt Loosen, who didn't allow a run over the first five innings. He surrendered six hits, all singles, and issued two walks. Loosen struck out four.

Frank Del Valle got his sixth save the hard way as he loaded the bases with two outs before striking out the final batter to end the game. Del Valle allowed two hits and a walk in his one inning of work. He struck out two.

Daytona won this game despite being outhit 11 to 5. Three of those hits came in a three-run third inning. First baseman Dustin Geiger was 1 for 2 with a double and two walks. He scored once.

Only a 45 minute rain delay for this one.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars won their second straight game, 4-1 over the Beloit Snappers (Athletics).

It was a strong start for Felix Pena, who won his fourth game after he gave up only one run over six innings. Pena allowed four hits and issued but one walk while he sent seven Snappers down on strikes.

Michael Hamann tossed a perfect ninth inning for his third save. He did not have a strikeout.

Catcher Willson Contreras hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to make the score 4-0. It was his ninth home run of the season. Contreras went 1 for 3 with a walk.

Shortstop Marco Hernandez went 3 for 4 with a stolen base. Hernandez scored twice.

Right fielder Reggie Golden went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks crushed the Spokane Indians (Rangers). 9-1.

Starter Rob Zastryzny gave up his first run as a professional, but still pitched well in a two-inning start. He gave up a run after three straight one-out singles in the first inning. His final line was one run on four hits over two innings. he walked one and struck out three.

Sam Wilson, Zack Godley and Scott Frazier each tossed two scoreless innings and Tyler Bremer pitched the ninth to finish out the game. They retired 15 straight batters from a walk in the fourth inning until a one-out single in the ninth. Wilson was awarded the win, his second. The only baserunner he allowed was that walk. Wilson had one strike out.

Third baseman Kris Bryant crushed his first professional home run with two on in the third inning. He was 1 for 4 with a walk. You can see video of the home run here.

Shortstop Carlos Penalver came a home run short of the cycle as he went 3 for 4 with a double and a triple. He scored two runs and had one batted in.

AZL Cubs

Played two games with the Angels. They Lost a game suspended on July 20, 8-7 and dropped the regularly scheduled game 13-4.