Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: July 20

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs sunk the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland), 15-7.

It was a rough start for the I-Cubs Mike Hauschild, who gave up four home runs in his 3.2 innings of work. At least only five runs scored on those four home runs. Hauschild finished allowing six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out two.

The win went to Michael Rucker, who pitched three innings of relief and gave up just one run on three hits. The one run scored on, you guessed it, a solo home run. Rucker struck out one and walked no one.

While the Cubs pitchers gave up five home runs, they hit three and won easily by hammering out 14 hits.

First baseman Frank Schwindel celebrated his first game in the Cubs organization by connecting for a two-run home run in the third inning. It was Schwindel’s 18th home run this season—one with Iowa, one with Oakland and 16 with Las Vegas. Schwindel added a fourth RBI with an RBI single in the eighth inning. He was 2 for 5.

Next, left fielder Nick Martini hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning, his fifth of the year. Martini was a perfect 2 for 2 with two walks and a stolen base. He scored three runs and had the three RBI.

Finally, center fielder Michael Hermosillo hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, his eighth on the season. Hermosillo also tripled in a 2 for 4 game. He scored twice. He also got ejected again for arguing a strikeout.

Ian Miller went 2 for 6 with one run scored and two runs batted in.

DH Alfonso Rivas went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.

Matt Duffy played eight innings at third base and was 1 for 3 with a walk and a sacrifice fly.

David Bote played seven innings at second base and finished 0 for 4.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were trashed by the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 10-5.

Starter Javier Assad got knocked around badly by the Trash Pandas, surrendering eight runs on nine hits over just three innings. Two of those hits were home runs. Assad walked two and struck out three.

DH Nelson Maldonado went 2 for 4 and scored once.

Third baseman Chase Strumpf was 1 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs de-fanged the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), 3-2.

Starter Joe Nahas allowed two home runs tonight, but they were both solo home runs so he limited the damage. He finished the night allowing just two runs on five hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Rowan Wick got the win in a rehab appearance. Wick retired the side in order in the bottom of the sixth. He struck out two.

Graham Lawson pitched the bottom of the ninth and got the save. He walked a batter with one out, but then got a 4-6-3 double play to end the game. Lawson struck out one and did not allow any other baserunners.

Shortstop Delvin Zinn went 2 for 4 with a triple and a walk. Zinn also stole two bases, giving him 40 on the season, out of 45 attempts. He scored once.

Center fielder Nelson Velazquez went 2 for 4 with two steals.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans heeled the Charleston RiverDogs (Rays), 3-2. The win snapped the RiverDogs seven-game winning streak.

Starter Manuel Espinoza allowed just one run on six hits over four innings. He struck out five and walked two.

Carlos Ocampo gave up the lead when Diego Infante hit a solo home run off of him in the top of the eighth. But the Pelicans retook the lead in the bottom of the eighth and Ocampo retired the side in order in the ninth to finish the game and get the win. Ocampo allowed one run on one hit over 2.1 innings. He struck out four and walked no one.

Catcher Pablo Aliendo hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning that ended up being the difference in the game. It was Aliendo’s fifth home run this year. He also had an RBI double in the sixth inning. Aliendo finished the night going 3 for 4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

The Pelicans had five hits tonight and Aliendo had three of them.

Highlights: See Aliendo’s HR leave the ballpark.

ACL Cubs

Lost to Giants Orange, 2-1.