Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 24

Iowa Cubs

Last off day of the season.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies outflanked the Jackson Generals (Mariners), 6-5.

Starting pitcher Michael Wagner tossed 6.1 innings and surrendered three runs on six hits. One of the three runs was unearned. Wagner walked two and struck out four.

James Farris entered the eighth inning with two on and two out and got a ground out to end the inning. After the Smokies scored a run in the top of the ninth, he retired the Generals in order in the bottom of the ninth on three pop ups for his first Smokies win.

Right fielder Lane Adams hit a three-run home run in the third inning. It was his third home run for the Smokies this season. (He did hit six more in the Yankees organization.) Adams was 2 for 5 and scored twice. He also stole a base.

Second baseman Daniel Lockhart was 2 for 3 with a stolen base. Lockhart had one RBI and one run scored.

The Smokies pushed across the eventual winning run in the top of the eighth when Ben Carhart was hit by a pitch. Carhart was then sacrificed to second base and went to third on a Trey Martin single. Carhart then scored on a Chesny Young sac fly.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans filleted the Carolina Mudcats (Braves), 2-1 in ten innings. With the win, the Pelicans clinched their sixth-straight trip to the playoffs and second in their two years in the Cubs organization.

Preston Morrison allowed just one run over his five-inning start. Morrison gave up six hits, he walked one and struck out five.

Erick Leal returned from the disabled list and threw 2.1 scoreless innings in relief of Morrison. He allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out four.

Daniel Lewis pitched a scoreless final 1.2 innings and got the win. He allowed one single, one walk and stuck out nobody.

Shortstop Andrew Ely doubled home second baseman David Bote in the top of the tenth to break the 1-1 tie. Both players were 2 for 4. Bote also had an RBI.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs outlasted the West Michigan Whitecaps (Tigers), 11-10 in ten innings.

Starter Adbert Alzolay allowed five runs on six hits over five innings. He walked two and struck out four.

Jared Cheek looked to be the losing pitcher after he pitched the top of the tenth inning and allowed a run on a hit and a walk. But he got the win when South Bend struck back to score two runs in the bottom of the inning. Cheek did not have a strikeout.

Adonis Paula hit a line drive to right field to score Matt Rose with the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning. However, because the runner on first base, Andruw Monasterio, pulled a "Merkle's Boner" and didn't run to second, Paula wasn't awarded a hit. But since that was only the first out of the inning and the winning run had already scored, it made no difference. But it meant Paula finished the night 0 for 5.

Left fielder Eloy Jimenez and Rose hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning. Jimenez's was a three-run home run and his 14th on the season. Rose's was his 12th for South Bend and 16th overall.

Jimenez finished the game 2 for 5 with a double, the home run and two runs scored. Rose was 3 for 5 with a double and two runs scored. He also drove home two.

Second baseman Carlos Sepulveda went 3 for 5 with a double and three runs scored. He also drove home one. Center fielder Robert Caro was 3 for 4 and scored twice.

Here are the happy highlights:

Eugene Emeralds

The Eugene Emeralds were shut down by the Everett AquaSox (Mariners), 1-0.

Starter Manuel Rondon gave up one run on five hits in a 3.2 inning start. Rondon walked three and struck out three.

The Emeralds did not have a baserunner in this game until Trent Giambrone singled with one out in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Jose Gonzalez would walk and be thrown out stealing. Those were the Ems only two baserunners.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Angels 4-0.