It's been a long day. A long week, really.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs shut out the New Orleans Zephyrs (Marlins), 4-0.
It was easily the best start in the Cubs organization for Dan Straily. Straily shut down the Zephrys for six innings, giving up just four hits and a walk. He struck out five. It was his first Iowa Cubs win and fifth in the Pacific Coast League.
Arodys Vizcaino pitched two innings for the first time since August 16, 2011. He gave up one hit and two walks while striking out two.
All four of Iowa's runs tonight scored on home runs. Second baseman Javier Baez broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning with a two-run blast, his 21st on the season. Baez was 3 for 5.
In the seventh inning, third baseman Kris Bryant snuck one just over the wall right down the right field line for his 35th home run of the year. It came with the bases empty. Bryant was 1 for 4 with a walk.
Two batters later, first baseman Mike Olt rocketed a line drive over the left field wall for his first Iowa home run of the season. Olt went 2 for 5.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies lost to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Reds), 6-4.
Starter Felix Peña took the loss after he allowed five runs in only four innings. He gave up seven hits including back-to-back home runs to lead off the fourth inning. Peña struck out four and walked one.
The Smokies were held without a hit until one out in the eighth inning, when third baseman Christian Villanueva singled to left. The next five Smokies got hits, but they fell short in their comeback. Dustin Geiger went 1 for 3 with a two-run double.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs were hijacked by the Bradenton Marauders (Pirates), 8-0.
Starter Tayler Scott took the loss after he allowed six runs on seven hits over five innings. However, all five of the runs he allowed in the second inning were unearned thanks to two D-Cubs errors. Scott struck out four and did not walk a batter.
Catcher Willson Contreras went 0 for 1 with four walks.
Kane County Cougars
The Kane County Cougars were bitten by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), 7-3.
Starter Ben Wells pitched 5.1 innings and allowed three runs, two earned. on only two hits. He was wild as he walked five batters and hit one. He struck out five.
Zak Hermans pitched the rest of the way and got the loss. He allowed four runs, three earned, on three hits over 2.2 innings. Hermans struck out five and walked two.
Right fielder Jeffrey Baez doubled twice in a 2 for 4 game. He scored once.
Boise Hawks
The Boise Hawks were grounded by the Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays), 2-1.
James Norwood made his first professional start and got his first professional loss. He went three innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out two and didn't walk anyone.
Ryan Williams was impressive tonight with four scoreless innings of relief of Norwood. He gave up two hits, didn't walk anyone and struck out two.
First baseman Danny Canela was 2 for 4 with a double.
Charcer Burks and Jesse Hodges were both ejected from this game.
AZL Cubs
Off day.