Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 6

Congratulations to I-Cubs catcher Victor Caratini, who you voted as the Minor League Player of the Month! Caratini was also the “official” choice of the Cubs for that honor as well.

Seven Tennessee Smokies were named to the Southern League All-Star Game. They were pitchers Trevor Clifton, Daury Torrez and Jen-Ho Tseng, catcher Ian Rice, second baseman David Bote, third baseman Jason Vosler and outfielder Charcer Burks.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were tripped up by the Oklahoma City Dodgers, 7-5 in ten innings.

Iowa starter Aaron Brooks went six innings and allowed three runs, although just one of the three runs were earned. Brooks gave up seven hits and struck out three. He did walk one batter, but it was intentional.

It was a rough night for Pierce Johnson, who took the loss in relief. Johnson gave up two runs in the top of the ninth, but Iowa rallied in the bottom of the inning to send the game to extra innings. But then he started the tenth inning and let in two more runs to take the loss. Johnson allowed four runs on six hits over 1.1 innings. He struck out three and didn’t walk anyone, although he did hit one batter.

Center fielder Jacob Hannemann was 2 for 4 with a double and a sac fly. He had three total RBI.

Left fielder Bijan Rademacher was 3 for 4 and scored twice. Shortstop Elliot Soto went 2 for 2 with a double and a walk. Soto scored twice.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies split a doubleheader with the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), winning the first game 6-3 and losing the second one 3-1.

Zach Hedges pitched a seven-inning complete game victory in game one. He gave up the three runs on six hits, two of which came on a home run by Telvin Nash in the fourth inning. Hedges struck out two and walked one.

In the second inning, catcher Ian Rice hit a two-run home run off Michael Kopech, the top-ranked pitcher in the White Sox system. It was Rice’s seventh home run this year. Rice was 1 for 2 with a walk and two runs scored.

Center fielder Trey Martin broke up a 3-3 tie with a three-run double in the bottom of the eighth. Martin was 1 for 3.

In game two, starter James Pugliese did not allow a hit over the 3.2 scoreless innings he pitched. He did walk three batters while also striking out three.

Craig Brooks took the loss in relief. He did get out of a two-on, two out jam that he inherited from Pugliese in the fourth, but then he gave up two runs on his own in the fifth. Brooks pitched 1.1 innings and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out one.

Left fielder Charcer Burks led off the bottom of the first inning with his fifth home run of the season. The Smokies would only get one more hit the rest of the way. Burks was 1 for 3.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans grounded the Buies Creek Astros, 2-0.

Ryan Kellogg threw the first six innings and got his third win. Kellogg allowed just two hits. He walked one and struck out two.

Dillon Maples pitched a perfect ninth inning for his third save. He struck out one.

Myrtle Beach scored both runs in the fourth inning. Eloy Jimenez doubled home Daniel Spingola, who had led off the inning with a walk. After a fly to right put Jimenez on third base, he then scored on a wild pitch. Jimenez was 1 for 4 and Spingola was 1 for 3 with a walk.

Third baseman Jesse Hodges went 2 for 4.

With the win, the Pelicans take a 1.5 game lead in their division.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs were run over by the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays), 8-2.

Cubs starter Jose Paulino didn’t make it out of the first inning. Paulino allowed four runs on four hits and two walks over just two-thirds of an inning. He did not have a strikeout.

Both South Bend runs came on a double by Alberto Mineo in the third inning. Mineo was 2 for 4.

Shortstop Isaac Paredes was 2 for 4.