Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 3

Congratulations to Eloy Jimenez, who was your runaway choice for Cubs Minor League Player of the Month. Jimenez had a big month in July, between his efforts at the Futures Game and his time in South Bend.

Some bad news and good news for two of the other nominees for the award. Iowa outfielder Mark Zagunis went on the disabled list with a broken toe. He may miss the rest of the season, which only has a month to go.

Taking Zagunis' place in Iowa will be outfielder Bijan Rademacher, who makes it to Triple-A for the first time in his career.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were soaked by the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), 9-4.

Starter Drew Rucinski took the loss after allowing five runs on eleven hits in five innings. Rucinski walked one and struck out four.

Right fielder John Andreoli was 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored. Second baseman Logan Watkins was 2 for 4 with a triple and a walk. Watkins scored twice.

Center fielder Albert Almora Jr. was 2 for 5 with a double and two RBI. Almora scored once.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies hung on to beat the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 7-6 in ten innings.

Brad Markey pitched the first six innings and surrendered three runs on five hits. He struck out two and walked nobody, although he did hit a batter.

After the Smokies scored two runs in the top of the tenth, Stephen Perakslis started the bottom of the tenth looking for the save. After easily retiring the first two batters, Perakslis walked the next four to give up a run. But with the bases loaded, two outs and the Smokies hanging on to a one-run lead, James Farris was summoned from the bullpen. He struck out the next batter to end the game and give Farris his fourth save.

Ian Happ broke the 5-5 tie in the tenth with a solo home run, his third for the Smokies and tenth overall. Then the next batter up, Victor Caratini went back-to-back with a much-needed insurance run. It was Caratini's fifth home run on the season. Happ was 1 for 4 with a walk and three runs scored in tonight's game. Caratini was 2 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Jorge Soler was 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored in his rehab appearance. David Freitas went 2 for 5 with one run batted in.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans shut out the Frederick Keys (Orioles), 5-0.

A terrific start today for Trevor Clifton, who had a no-hitter going until he gave up a double to lead off the eighth inning. Clifton then exited with a final line of one hit in 7+ innings. Clifton struck out six and did not walk anyone, but he did hit a batter twice.

Center fielder Jeffrey Baez hit two solo home runs today, one in the fifth inning and one in the ninth. Baez was 2 for 4 and now has five home runs this season.

Shortstop Andrew Ely went 2 for 4 with a double and one run scored.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs shut out the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Padres), 2-0.

Ryan Kellogg started and got the win after giving up just two hits over 5.2  innings. Kellogg walked two and struck out two.

Carson Sands retired all three hitters in the ninth inning for his first career save. He did not have a strikeout.

Both Cubs runs came in the third inning. Second baseman Carlos Sepulveda singled and scored. He was 2 for 3 with a stolen base. DH P.J. Higgins was also 2 for 4 and he scored the other run. Sepulveda scored the first run on an Eloy Jimenez ground out and Higgins scored on a single by Vimael Machin. Jimenez was 0 for 4 and Machin was 2 for 4.

Eugene Emeralds

All-Star Break

AZL Cubs

Beat the Giants 3-1.