Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 13

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs split a doubleheader with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, losing the first one 3-0 and coming back to take the second game, 2-1.

Matt Swarmer started game one and took the loss after allowing three runs in the third inning, including a two-run home run to Will Smith. Swarmer’s final line was three runs on five hits over four innings. He walked three and struck out two. Swarmer also singled to lead off the third inning. It was his first career hit.

Iowa only had three hits, all singles, in game one. Both Dixon Machado and Johnny Field went 1 for 2 with a walk.

The game two start went to Colin Rea, and the Iowa native got his first win as a Cub. Rea pitched six innings and allowed just one unearned run on five hits. He walked three and struck out five. Rea also hit a batter.

Rowan Wick threw the top of the seventh inning and got the save, but not without some drama. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Wick allowed a double and then loaded the bases on consecutive walks. But he then struck out the next batter to end the game. Wick had two strikeouts in the inning.

First baseman Trent Giambrone hit a solo home run in the third inning, his third of the young season already. Giambrone was 2 for 3.

Donnie Dewees singled with two out in the bottom of the sixth to drive in what proved to be the winning run. Dewees went 1 for 2 with a walk.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were lorded over by the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 4-2.

Starter Zach Hedges allowed one run on three hits over four innings. Hedges struck out two and did not walk anyone, although he did hit one batter.

Scott Effross relieved Hedges and took the loss when he allowed one run in the sixth inning and two in the seventh. The final line on Effross was three runs on five hits over three innings. Effross struck out two and walked one.

First baseman P.J. Higgins connected for his second home run of the season win the fourth inning with the bases empty. The blast gave the Smokies a temporary 2-1 lead. Higgins went 2 for 4.

Shortstop Nico Hoerner went 1 for 3 with an RBI double in the first inning and a walk.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were plucked by the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Astros), 6-4.

Javier Assad started and took the loss. Assad pitched four innings and allowed two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out five.

The Pelicans only had one hit over the first 8.2 innings of this game, but they rallied for four runs and three hits once they were down to their final out. The big blow was a two-run double by first baseman Luke Reynolds. Reynolds was 1 for 5 and also scored the fourth run of the inning on an error.

Highlights:

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs hammered the Lansing Lugnuts (Blue Jays), 6-0.

Riley Thompson started and collected his first win of the season with five scoreless frames. Thompson allowed four hits. He struck out five and walked one.

Jeffrey Passantino threw the next three innings and Riley McCauley pitched the ninth to finish the shutout.

It was a big day for right fielder Nelson Velazquez, who went 3 for 4 with a double. Velazquez scored twice and had one run batted in.

First baseman Tyler Durna was 2 for 4 with a two-run double in the bottom of the third.

Highlights:

Here’s an interview with Riley Thompson.