Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 5

Congratulations to Iowa Cubs third baseman Robel Garcia, who is your choice for the Cubs Minor League Player of the Month for May! I know that Garcia has captured a lot of your imaginations in his first two months since he’s returned to the minors after a five-year stint in Italy.

You still have time to vote for the Minor League Pitcher of the Month.

Also, I want to thank Clinton Cole, who has agreed to provide us with a lot of great pictures from South Bend. We’ve gotten some great pictures from other photographers as well, but it’s always nice to have more options.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were bitten by the El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres), 6-4.

Starter Alec Mills gave up three runs on five hits over five innings. Mills struck out seven and walked just one.

Iowa pitchers gave up a single run in six of the nine innings today.

Tim Collins took the loss when he gave up a solo home run in the eighth inning. The final line on Collins was one run on one hit over 1.1 innings. Collins struck out two and did not walk anyone.

Iowa scored four runs in the first inning and then their offense went cold. Left fielder Mark Zagunis doubled to lead off the bottom of the first and later scored. He was 2 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were battered by the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays), 5-1.

Thomas Hatch pitched the first five innings and took the loss after allowing three runs on eight hits. Hatch walked two and struck out four.

The Smokies had four total hits tonight and right fielder Roberto Caro had three of them. Caro was 3 for 4 with an RBI double in the second inning, scoring Jesse Hodges. Caro also had a stolen base.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Off day. They start a series in Winston-Salem tomorrow.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs gave the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) a flat tire, 2-1.

Another strong start by Faustino Carrera, who pitched six scoreless innings and surrendered just two hits. Carrera struck out four and walked no one.

Jose Albertos pitched the next 2.2 innings. The first batter he faced single, but he was caught stealing. Then Albertos retired the next seven batters in a row. Albertos then hit a batter and left the game for Eugenio Palma, who got the save. Palma did allow an RBI single to the first batter he faced (charged to Albertos) and then got a strikeout to end the game and get the save.

The final line on Albertos was one run on one hit over 2.2 innings. He struck out four and walked no one. He did hit one batter.

Gustavo Polanco hit a solo home run in the third inning, his second of the season. Polanco was 1 for 2 with a walk.

South Bend had four hits tonight.

Highlights: