Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: July 20

As we say goodbye to Dan Vogelbach, take this time to read Tommy Birch's piece on Vogelbach's thoughts about the trade. The man is class, and we wish him nothing but luck in Seattle. As I said earlier, the Mariners aren't just getting a DH, they're getting a folk hero.

The Emeralds became the second Cubs farm team to clinch a playoff spot this season.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs split a doubleheader with the Salt Lake Bees (Angels), losing game one 5-0 and winning the second game 6-3.

In the first game, Drew Rucinski started and took the loss. Rucinski pitched four innings and allowed three runs on five hits. One of the runs was unearned. Rucinski walked one and struck out three.

Joe Nathan faced four batters in the seventh inning in this game. After retiring the first batter on a fly to center, he walked the next three batters and exited.

Bees pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Jose Valdes kept the I-Cubs to 2 hits in this game. Dexter Fowler was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and Jorge Soler was 0 for 3 with three strikeouts.

In game two, Jake Buchanan won his ninth game after pitching 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on four hits. One of the runs was unearned. Buchanan walked two and struck out four.

Corey Black pitched the other 1.1 innings of this game and got the save. He faced four batters and retired them all, one by strikeout.

Fowler was better in game two, going 1 for 2 with a double and a walk. Fowler scored twice. Soler didn't play in game two.

Right fielder Mark Zagunis was the hero in game two. He was 2 for 2 with a double and three RBI. Zagunis walked once and scored twice.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were extinguished by the Mississippi Braves, 8-2.

Starter Tyler Skulina got hammered for eight runs on nine hits over five innings. Skulina gave up four in the first, one in the second and three in the fifth. One of the runs was unearned. Skulina struck out three and walked no one.

Gioskar Amaya hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth. It was his first Double-A HR and his sixth overall. He was 1 for 2.

Left fielder Bijan Rademacher hit two double in a 2 for 4 game. He scored once. First baseman David Freitas was 2 for 4.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Off day.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs got stung by the Burlington Bees (Angels), 7-5.

Justin Steele pitched the first five innings and allowed two runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out three.

The Cubs had a 5-4 lead going into the top of the ninth, but John Williamson and James Norwood couldn't hold it. Williamson took the loss after allowing two runs on a hit and a walk. Norwood allowed both runners he inherited from Williamson to score and then gave up another one of his own. Norwood allowed two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out one.

Right fielder Eddy Martinez was 3 for 4 with a double, a triple and his eighth home run of the season. The home run came in the fourth inning with the bases empty. He scored twice and had three RBI.

Center fielder Donnie Dewees was 2 for 3 with a walk. Dewees scored one run and drove one run in.

Eugene Emeralds

The Eugene Emeralds clinched a first-half title with a 4-0 win over the Hillsboro Hops (Diamondbacks).

Jose Paulino dominated the Hops for seven innings, allowing just singles. Paulino struck out seven and walked one. Paulino improved his record to 4-0.

Left fielder Robert Garcia hit a solo home run in the third inning, his second of the year. Garcia was 1 for 4.

DH Wladimir Galindo went 2 for 4 and scored once.

The on-field celebration:

A water bath soaks the victorious @EugeneEmeralds after they clinched a first-half division title at PK Park! #GoEms pic.twitter.com/HOiVW3gb8R

— Brian Davies (@daviesphoto) July 21, 2016

AZL Cubs

Beat the Angels, 7-6.