Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 1

Still time to vote for the Minor League Player of the Month.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs had a shorter half-life than the Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies), 7-6 in 12 innings.

Starter Williams Perez allowed four runs on three hits over 5.2 innings, although two of the runs came on a home run off of David Rollins after Perez left the game. Perez walked two and struck out four. Perez was also 2 fo4 3 with a double and an RBI single. Perez also scored one run.

Dillon Maples took the loss when he gave up back-to-back one-out singles in the bottom of the 12th and then a walk-off sacrifice fly. Maples allowed one run on three hits over 1.2 innings. Maples struck out four and walked one.

Left fielder John Andreoli led off the game with a home run and then hit a second solo home run his next time at bat in the third inning. Andreoli now has eleven home runs this season. He was 2 for 5 with a walk and he scored three runs.

Catcher Cael Brockmeyer hit his first Triple-A home run and sixth overall later in the top of the first inning. Brockmeyer was 2 for 5 with the one RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies sent the Jackson Generals (Diamondbacks) into retreat, 5-3.

It was bullpen night on the mound for the Smokies as James Pugliese started and pitched the first three innings. Pugliese allowed three runs on four hits, including a solo home run in the first inning. Pugliese walked three and struck out two.

Steve Perakslis got the win with three scoreless innings of relief. Perakslis allowed two hits. He struck out four and walked no one.

Craig Brooks pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the save. He gave up a one-out double but no other baserunners. He struck out one.

Right fielder Yasiel Balaguert added an insurance run with a solo home run in the top of the ninth. Balaguert also had a two-run double in the top of the first to give the Smokies and early lead. Balaguert was 3 for 5.

Left fielder Charcer Burks was 1 for 3 with a double, two walks and two steals. Burks scored once.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were keyed by the Frederick Keys (Orioles), 5-2.

Starter Justin Steele left this game in the third inning with an apparent arm injury. He had not allowed a run or a hit over 2.1 innings. He had walked two and he struck out two.

Dakota Mekkes took the loss after allowing his first earned runs since May 10 when he was pitching in South Bend. They were his first runs of any kind since May 31 in South Bend. Mekkes allowed three runs on four hits, including three doubles in the bottom of the eighth, over 1.2 innings. He walked two and struck out two. He had to be bailed out third baseman Adonis Paula, who took the mound to get the final out of the eighth inning.

Both Pelicans runs came on a two-run single by Jesse Hodges in the top of the first. Hodges was 1 for 4.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs were swept in a four-game series by the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays), 4-3. South Bend has now lost six straight.

Starter Jose Paulino went six innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Jhon Romero pitched the final three innings and took the loss after allowing one unearned run. However, it was his error that led to the eventual winning run. Romero gave up just one hit. He struck out four and did not walk anyone.

Catcher Tyler Payne hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to tie the game at 3-3. It was Payne’s fourth home run this season and third with South Bend. Payne was 1 for 3.

Center fielder D.J. Wilson was 2 for 3 with a triple and a walk. He had one run batted in and he scored once.

Eugene Emeralds

The Northwest League All-Stars beat the Pioneer League All-Stars, 5-4.

Two Ems played in this game:

Luis Aquino pitched the eighth inning. He gave up a leadoff triple. After the runner held on third on a ground ball to first baseman, fellow Em Gustavo Polanco, Aquino hit the next batter. But he got out of the inning with no runs scoring when the next batter hit into a 4-6-3 double play.

Polanco was 0 for 2.

AZL Cubs

Lost to the Brewers 5-4 in ten innings.