Iowa Cubs David Bote was named to the MLB Pipeline Prospect team of the week. Bote hit .517/.600/.793 with two home runs in seven games over the past week.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs won their third-straight game over the Round Rock Express (Rangers), 6-5.
The Cubs pitched a bullpen game today as starter Jen Ho Tseng was scratched, and you can read into that what you will with Yu Darvish going on the disabled list. But starter Brad Markey pitched the first two innings and allowed three runs on four hits. Actually, it was mostly a three-run home run to Cameron Rupp. Markey walked one and struck out one.
Alberto Baldonado allowed two runs in the fourth inning, but the other three I-Cubs pitchers: Randy Rosario, Justin Hancock and Dillon Maples, did not allow a run the rest of the way. Rosario pitched three perfect innings and struck out two and Hancock got the win after he pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out two.
Maples pitched the ninth and got the save. He allowed a hit and two walks, but the single was erased in a caught stealing and he got a strikeout and a fly out after the two walks to end the game.
Left fielder Bijan Rademacher got the Cubs an early lead with a three-run home run in the top of the first inning. It was Rademacher’s second home run this year. He was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Third baseman Chesny Young had an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning that proved to be the winning run. Young was 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. He also scored one run.
DH Chris Gimenez was 2 for 4 with a double to lead off the ninth inning. He was pinch-run for by Wynton Bernard who scored on the Young single.
Shortstop Mike Freeman went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. He had one RBI and scored once.
This game was also remarkable because Tim Lincecum pitched in a game that counted for the first time since 2016. The I-Cubs scored two runs in the one inning The Freak pitched.
Tennessee Smokies
The Tennessee Smokies grilled the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins), 3-0.
It was like 2016 out there tonight for Smokies starter Trevor Clifton. Clifton allowed just one hit and two walks over six scoreless innings. Even better, Clifton struck out nine Jumbo Shrimp.
James Norwood pitched the ninth inning and got his first save. He didn’t give up and hits, but he did walk one and struck out two.
Center fielder Trey Martin opened the scoring with a two-run home run in the second inning. It was Martin’s second home run this year. Martin was 1 for 4.
Shortstop Zack Short had a pair of doubles in a 2 for 5 game. He scored once.
Left fielder Charcer Burks went 3 for 4 with a stolen base. He scored on the Martin home run.
Here’s Clifton’s eigth strikeout.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans shut out the Down East Wood Ducks (Rangers), 3-0.
Keegan Thompson pitched the first six innings and surrendered four hits. He walked two, struck out four and got his first win of the season.
Bailey Clark threw the other three innings and got his first save. Clark allowed two hits, he walked one and his hit one batter. Clark did not strike anyone out.
DH Austin Upshaw hit two doubles and scored twice in a 2 for 4 game.
Right fielder Daniel Spingola went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI.
Left fielder Kevonte Mitchell was 2 for 4.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs stung the Burlington Bees (Angels), 5-3.
Cory Abbott had a five-inning start without allowing a run. He gave up just two hits, walked three and struck out eight as he won for the second time this season.
Manuel Rodriguez gave up a run on a two-out double in the top of the ninth, but hung on for the save. Rodriguez gave up one run on two hits over two innings. He struck out one and did not walk anyone.
Right fielder Roberto Caro went 3 for 4 with a double and a stolen base out of the leadoff spot in the order. Caro scored two runs and drove in one.
Second baseman Yeiler Peguero was 2 for 2 with a walk and he scored once.
First baseman Jared Young was 2 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored.
Shortstop Jhonny Bethencourt was 2 for 4 with a stolen base.
We got highlights. Be sure to check out the Chris Singleton catch at the 2:36 mark.