Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 21

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs delayed the Round Rock Express (Rangers), 6-2.

Eric Jokisch pitched the first seven innings and allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits. Jokisch struck out seven and walked two.

Frank Batista got the final two outs for his first save this season. He did not allow a baserunner, nor did he strike out anyone.

Second baseman Arismendy Alcantara jacked the second pitch of the game over the left field fence for his fourth home run of the year. (The Round Rock announcers insisted it was foul. No replay in the minors.) Alcantara was 1 for 4 with a walk.

Third baseman Christian Villanueva hit two home runs tonight. The first came with a man on in the fourth and the second was a solo home run in the sixth. That also gives him four home runs on the year. Villanueva was 2 for 4.

After striking out three times (and looking bad too) against Ryan Feierabend, shortstop Javier Baez connected for his fifth home run of the year off of Neftali Feliz in the eighth inning. It was a solo home run. Baez was 1 for 4.

Right fielder Casper Wells was 2 for 4. Justin Ruggiano was the DH and went 0 for 4 on his rehab assignment.

Tennessee Smokies

Mobile BayBears first baseman Jon Griffin hit four home runs as Mobile destroyed the Tennessee Smokies, 17-7.

Starter Joel Piniero gave up the first of those home runs in the 4+ innings he pitched.  He also gave up a home run to David Peralta. Piniero was charged with eight runs, six earned, on ten hits. He struck out three and walked two.

Austin Kirk gave up five runs, two earned, in the 2.2 innings he pitched, including the second one to Griffin. Lendy Castillo allowed the third one.

It doesn't seem like the last Griffin home run should even count, since  Anthony Giansanti gave it up.

If you want some good news, third baseman Kris Bryant hit his 12th home run in the bottom of the first, tying him for the league lead. Bryant was 1 for 4 with one RBI.

Shortstop Wes Darvill hit his first home run with a man on and  two-out in the ninth. Darvill was 1 for 3 and scored twice.

Catcher Rafael Lopez went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs pillaged the Bradenton Marauders (Pirates), 4-2.

Tyler Ihrig and Trevor Graham made their season debuts today and it was a success. Ihrig started and went four innings, allowing two runs on two hits. He did seem to have some trouble holding runners on, as Bradenton stole two bases off of him, both of which led to runs. Ihrig walked one and struck out three.

Graham relieved Ihrig and got the win with 3.2 innings of scoreless relief. He gave up one hit and two walks. Graham struck out four.

Andrew McKirahan got his third save.. He pitched 1.1 innings and allowed two hits in the ninth, but no runs. McKirahan did not walk anyone and struck out two.

Shortstop Marco Hernandez gave the Cubs the lead with a two-run home run in the seventh inning, his first of the season. Hernandez also had an RBI double in the fifth inning. He was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI.

Second baseman Gioskar Amaya went 3 for 4 with a double. He had one RBI and scored on Hernandez's home run.

Catcher Willson Contreras was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.

Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars defanged the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), 8-2.

Duane Underwood started and got the win with five scoreless innings. He gave up only two hits. He did issue four walks and he struck out five.

Second baseman Danny Lockhart was 2 for 3 with two doubles and a sacrifice fly. He scored one run and had two RBI.

DH Ben Carhart went 3 for 4 with a double and a walk. He scored two runs and had one RBI.

Right fielder Yasiel Balaguert was 2 for 5 with an RBI triple. He scored once.

Center fielder Jacob Hannemann was 2 for 5 with a stolen base. Hannemann scored two runs and batted one in.