Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs beat the Nashville Sounds (Athletics), 4-2.
Drew Rucinski started and got the win after allowing two runs on six hits over 5+ innings. He was pulled after he gave up a solo home run and a single to start the sixth inning. Rucinski struck out five and walked three.
Spencer Patton pitched the ninth inning and got his fifth save. He gave up a leadoff single, but then retired the next three batters on a foul out and two strikeouts.
Center fielder Albert Almora had a pair of doubles in a 2 for 5 game. He scored twice and had one RBI. He also made a fantastic over-the shoulder diving catch that he then got up and threw to first base for a double play. I hope the video of this one becomes available.
Shortstop Kristopher Negron was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. First baseman Taylor Davis was 2 for 4.
Miguel Montero was supposed to rest this game, but he said he felt good enough after yesterday's game that he could DH today. He was 2 for 4 with two RBI.
"Beat the Sounds." Get it? You thought it wasn't a pun.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies were battered by the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays), 8-1.
Paul Blackburn's streak of 37 innings without allowing an earned run came to an end in the first inning tonight when he was roughed up for three runs. The final line on Blackburn was four runs on seven hits over six innings. Blackburn walked one and struck out four.
The Smokies had three hits tonight. Left fielder Mark Zagunis was 2 for 4.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were shortened by the Winston-Salem Dash (White Sox), 5-1.
Starter Zach Hedges took the loss after allowing just two runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out six and walked one.
The lone Pelicans run came when catcher Cael Brockmeyer crushed a home run off the scoreboard in center field in the third inning. Brockmeyer was 1 for 3. It was his third home run this year.
Center fielder Rashad Crawford was 2 for 4 with a double.
Highlights:
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs slew the Dayton Dragons (Reds), 2-0.
A strong start today for Justin Steele, who got the win after allowing just two hits over five innings. He struck out six and walked two.
James Norwood pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save. He struck out two.
Second baseman Andrew Ely had a huge night, going 4 for 4 with three doubles and a stolen base. He scored one of the two South Bend runs.
Third baseman Jesse Hodges was 3 for 4 with an RBI.