Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: June 15

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs defiled the St. Paul Saints (Twins), 3-1.

Joe Biagini came off the injured list for his first start since May 22. He only pitched the first inning but retired the side in order on three ground outs.

Scott Effross took over in the second inning and pitched three innings without allowing a run, a hit or a walk. He did hit two batters, but he struck out five. It was Effross’s first win of the season.

Kyle Ryan entered the game with runners on first and second and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He walked the first batter he faced to load the bases, but then got out of the jam with a strikeout. Ryan then pitched the ninth and got the save. His final line was no runs on no hits over 1.1 innings. He walked one and struck out one.

The I-Cubs got three runs on three hits tonight thanks mostly to left fielder Michael Hermosillo. Hermosillo had an RBI double in the first inning and a solo home run in the fifth. It was his third home run of the season. Hermosillo was 2 for 4.

Catcher Tony Wolters had the other hit. He was 1 for 2 with two walks.

Iowa did walk nine times in this game.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were put out by the Chattanooga Lookouts (Reds), 5-3.

Starting pitcher Alex Katz took the loss after he was knocked around for five runs on eight hits in just three innings. Katz walked one and did not strike out anyone.

Center fielder Christopher Morel got the Smokies back in the game with a two-run home run in the third inning, his fifth on the year. Morel was 1 for 4.

DH Nelson Maldonado provided the other Smokies run with a solo home run in the fifth. It was his first home run of the year. He was 1 for 3.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs detasseled the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins), 9-4.

Brad Deppermann pitched the first four innings and surrendered just one run on three hits. He struck out six and walked no one.

Jose Albertos got the win in relief because Deppermann didn’t go five innings. Albertos allowed one run on two hits over 2.1 innings. He walked two and struck out four.

South Bend exploded for eight runs in the third inning and third baseman Jake Slaughter had two hits in that inning. He doubled to lead off the inning and then hit a two-run single his second time up. Slaughter went 3 for 4 with the double and two runs batted in. He scored one time.

First baseman Tyler Durna homered with the bases empty in the fourth inning, his fourth on the season. Durna also had an RBI single in the third inning. He was 2 for 5. He scored twice and had the two RBI.

Left fielder Bradley Beesley was 2 for 4 with an RBI single in the third inning. He later came around the score his only run of the game.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were bitten by the Charleston RiverDogs (Rays), 9-5 in a game that ended after seven innings because of rain.

Manuel Espinoza gave up five runs in the first inning and things didn’t get much better after that. Espinoza’s final total was seven runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings. He struck out two, walked two and hit one batter.

Third baseman Ryan Reynolds hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning, his third of the season. Reynolds was 1 for 2 with a walk.

DH Pablo Aliendo hit a two-run double in the fifth inning. He was 2 for 4 and scored on Reynold’s homer.

First baseman Matt Mervis was 2 for 4 and also scored on the home run.

Right fielder Yohendrick Pinango went 2 for 4 and scored one run.

Highlights! Reynolds’ HR left the ballpark.