As the minor league season winds down to a few weeks, some of the affiliates in the Cubs’ system are showing the traits of a champion. Myrtle Beach made two straight comebacks thanks to David Bote and Yasiel Balaguert. Connor Myers continues to be in the middle of things for South Bend and D.J. Wilson was dazzling for Eugene.
Chesny Young and Tim Federowicz were the bright spots for Tennessee and Iowa, while Fernando Kelli had another big day in the Dominican Republic.
There were also a number of great pitching performances, so be sure you get the whole story by reading today’s Down on the Farm Report.
Short Season Class-A – Eugene Emeralds (41-15)
It was another sparkling pitching performance for Eugene on Monday as they handled Spokane 6-3. Erling Moreno has yet to give up an earned run, as he was charged with two unearned runs and had a strikeout in five innings. Dakota Mekkes tossed two perfect innings, and Michael Knighton allowed an earned run as he pitched two innings.
In the first inning, Yeiler Peguero (2-for-4 with a double and an RBI) came home on a sacrifice fly and Jose Paniagua (0-for-3 with an RBI) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in Stephen Bruno (4-for-5 with three RBI). Bruno singled in D.J. Wilson (2-for-3 with two double and a stolen base) in the second inning, and then did the same thing in the fourth inning. Another base hit by Bruno plated Tyler Payne (1-for-4 with a double) in the sixth inning, while a single by Peguero scored Wilson in the eighth.
Low Class-A – South Bend Cubs (75-45)
On Monday, South Bend cashed in on a big inning to defeat Bowling Green 3-2. The Cubs were being one-hit in the seventh when Vimael Machin (1-for-4 with an RBI) singled in Eddy Julio Martinez (1-for-3 with a double) to tie the game. A base hit by Connor Myers (1-for-3 with two RBI) drove in pinch-runner Adonis Paula and Roberto Caro (2-for-3).
Casey Bloomquist was able to match up well in this early pitcher’s duel as he struck out two and allowed an earned run in seven innings. Pedro Araujo also had two strikeouts as he gave up an earned run in two innings for his third save.
An early lead helped to keep Bowling Green at bay on Tuesday, as South Bend won 3-2. All the runs for the SB Cubs came in the second inning as Roberto Caro (2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI) tripled in Vimael Machin (1-for-4). Caro then scored on a wild pitch and a single by Carlos Sepulveda (2-for-4 with an RBI) drove in Connor Myers (0-for-3).
Ryan Kellogg was sharp as he had three strikeouts and allowed an earned run in five innings. Carson Sands struck out two as he pitched an inning and Tanner Griggs tossed two scoreless innings. Jared Cheek worked around a walk and a hit in the ninth for his third save.
High Class–A – Myrtle Beach Pelicans (69-53)
It only took one inning for Myrtle Beach to take command on Monday, as the Pelicans beat Winston-Salem 5-1. A bunt single by Jeffrey Baez (2-for-4 with a double) resulted in error that brought home Bryant Flete (1-for-4) and Ian Rice (1-for-4) with the first runs for the Pelicans. A double by David Bote (2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI) cleared the bases, scoring Jesse Hodges (0-for-3), Erick Castillo (0-for-3), and Daniel Spingola (1-for-3).
Jake Stinnett was on top of his game as he struck out six and allowed an earned run in seven innings. Tommy Thorpe fanned two in two innings to close things out.
On Tuesday, the Pelicans showed the mark of a championship team by coming back from three runs down to defeat Winston-Salem 4-3 in 10 innings. Yasiel Balaguert (3-for-5 with a double and two RBI) doubled in David Bote (2-for-5) the first run in the sixth inning, and Donnie Dewees (1-for-4 with a stolen base) scored on a wild pitch in the eighth. A sacrifice fly brought in pinch-runner Jeffrey Baez with the tying run in the ninth, while Balaguert plated Dewees with the game-winner in the 10th.
Trevor Clifton did a solid job as he allowed three earned runs while striking out six in six innings. Scott Effross tossed two scoreless innings, and Daniel Lewis had two strikeouts in two innings for the win.
Double-A – Tennessee Smokies (48-71)
The score looks a lot closer than the game actually was, as Tennessee blew off some steam in a 9-4 victory over Pensacola on Monday. Chesny Young was back setting the table, as the leadoff hitter was 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Lane Adams had a big night as he was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Zach Hedges (1-for-2 with two RBI) helped his own cause while Carlos Penalver (2-for-4 with a double and an RBI) had a multi-hit game.
Zach Hedges continued to shine as he tossed five scoreless innings and struck out four batters. Stephen Perakslis ran into some trouble, giving up three earned runs in 2.1 innings while David Garner allowed two inherited runs and another earned run to score in 0.2 innings. Nick Sarianides had two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth.
The Tennessee Smokies were idle on Tuesday.
Triple-A – Iowa Cubs (54-69)
Iowa put together another road win on Monday as they defeated Fresno 6-4. The I-Cubs tied the game in the fourth when Tim Federowicz (2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base) singled in Jeimer Candelario (1-for-5), and took the lead in the fifth on a solo home run from Kris Negron (1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI) and consecutive base hits by Cael Brockmeyer (1-for-4), John Andreoli (1-for-4), and Logan Watkins (1-for-5 with an RBI). Federowicz came home on an error in the fifth inning, and then bashed a two-run homer with Juan Perez (1-for-5 with a double) on base in the sixth.
Jordan Pries, well, managed the game is the best description, allowing four earned runs and struck out six in five innings. Gerardo Concepcion pitched two scoreless innings, and Jose Rosario had two strikeouts in an inning. Spencer Patton set down the side in order for his 11th save.
Arizona Rookie League – AZL Cubs (21-23)
The AZL Cubs could not put together an attack on Sunday night as they lost to the AZL Reds 6-4. Catcher Michael Cruz was 1-for-2 with a home run. Andry Rondon allowed five earned runs and had four strikeouts in 4.1 innings.
On Monday, the A-Cubs played a rare doubleheader as they lost the opener 9-1 to the AZL Giants. Isaac Parades went 2-for-4 while Jhonny Pereda was 2-for-3. In a rehab start, Duane Underwood Jr. struck out two as he pitched an inning.
Game 2 was a make-up form a postponement on August 2, as the AZL Cubs lost 4-3 to the AZL Giants in eight innings. Gustavo Polanco went 1-for-4 with a home run. Javier Assad was charged with an unearned run and had three strikeouts in five innings.
Dominican Summer League – DSL Cubs (23-38)
It was an embarrassing loss for D-1 on Monday as they were shut out 7-0 by Mets-1. D-1 managed only three hits as Henderson Perez was 2-for-3 with two doubles. Wander Feliz started and was charged with an unearned run, pitching only one inning.
D-1 took 10 innings on Tuesday to get the best of Mets-1 in a 6-4 victory. Henderson Perez once again had a big day, as he was 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and a stolen base. Jesus Tejada relieved Yunior Perez after an inning and was charged with an unearned run, striking out three in four innings.
Dominican Summer League – DSL Cubs (34-28)
It was the breakout that had been expected as D-2 overwhelmed DSL Rojos 10-1 on Monday. Fernando Kelli was almost unstoppable as he went 4-for-6 with three RBI and a stolen base. Wilfre Delgado was charged with an unearned run and struck out three in six innings.
Tuesday was a reversal for D-2, as they were shut out by the DSL Rojos 3-0. D-2 managed only four hits as Yovanny Cuevas went 1-for-1 with a double. Yan De La Cruz tossed three scoreless innings of relief.
News and Notes
The Chicago Cubs assigned RHP Josh Collmenter to the Iowa Cubs; sent RHP Duane Underwood Jr. to the AZL Cubs on a rehab assignment.