Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: April 16

Mike Montgomery is supposed to make a rehab start in South Bend tomorrow night. He was supposed to make it tonight, but his wife gave birth to his first child. So he had a good excuse.

Iowa Cubs

On the road to New Orleans.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were demoted by the Jackson Generals (Diamondbacks), 9-0.

In each of his first two starts of the season, Thomas Hatch pitched five innings and did not allow a run. He gave up only two hits in the first one and none in the second start. Tonight, he gave up four runs in the first inning and four more in the second. Hatch allowed nine runs on eight hits over 4.1 innings. Three of those eight hits were home runs. He walked three batters and hit one. Hatch did strike out five.

Also, Hatch doubled for one of only four hits on the night for the Smokies. Nico Hoerner also tripled.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were locked down by the Frederick Keys (Orioles), 8-2.

Ryan Kellogg was activated before tonight’s game and took the loss in his first start (third appearance) of the year. Kellogg allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings. He walked one and struck out four.

The Pelicans had five hits, all singles. Left fielder Zach Davis was 1 for 2 with a walk and two steals. He also scored the second of Myrtle Beach’s two runs.

Highlights, such as they are.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs lost to the Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers), 9-4.

Starter Derek Casey was strong for a 4.2 inning start. Unfortunately, the box score says he pitched a full five innings. With two on and two out and an 0-2 count, Casey gave up a two-run triple. That was followed by a double, a single and a home run. By the time Casey exited the game, a 2-0 South Bend lead had become a 6-2 Loons lead.

The final line on Casey was six runs on nine hits over five innings. He struck out four and did not walk anyone.

This may be hard to believe, but in South Bend’s 12th game of the season, right fielder Jonathan Sierra hit the team’s first home run of the year. It was a monster shot over the right field fence and according to the broadcast, was only the second one in stadium history to hit the Performance Center on the fly. The home run came in the eighth inning with a man on. Sierra was 2 for 4 with a double and the home run. He had scored twice.

Third baseman Christopher Morel was 2 for 4.

Update: Here’s Sierra’s home run.