Cubs Minor League News: Young raking, Nwogu homers again, Murray with two hits, more |
What was supposed to be a four-game night turned into just two games as mother nature affected two of the four contests. Regarding the games that took place, the Cubs were on the verge of going 2-0, but would have to settle with a 1-1 mark as the push for the postseason continues.
Through two games of this series, the Iowa Cubs have used strong pitching and some timely hitting to take care of business. With Anderson Espinoza getting the Ball, Iowa received an outstanding effort as he gave them four scoreless frames before turning it over to the pe. Espinoza left with the lead in hand as Jared Young put the Cubs in front for good 1-0 in the fourth. Mix that with an error and a Young double in the sixth, and Iowa was in front 3-0 and in a great position to win. Even with Santiago Chavez coming away with a ninth-inning single off of Ben Leeper, it wouldn't be enough as the Cubs took care of the Jumbo Shrimp again. Tyler Payne and Young led the way with two hits, but Young was responsible for both RBIs. Darius Hill and Brennen Davis added hits, with Matt Mervis suffering a rare hitless night. Second straight over the Shrimp! pic.twitter.com/KFHc8Cp7sN
Despite having their game postponed due to weather, the Smokies inched closer to a playoff berth as the Birmingham Barons fell yet again. At this rate, Tennessee will be the third and final team in the Cubs system to clinch a playoff spot, which could come as early as Saturday or Sunday. Tonight's game has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions. Friday, September 9 will be a scheduled double-header. pic.twitter.com/gL5o5ub5g5
If South Bend wants to struggle against the Kernels, now would be a perfect time, as these teams will meet in the playoffs next week. This was a very frustrating game for the Cubs, who had it within reach only to see the Kernels plate six runs in the eighth inning to claim the win. It is becoming a daily occurrence to see Luis Devers dominate hitters, and for the first time since arriving at South Bend, he showed cracks in his armor. The pitcher of the month for August failed to make it through the fifth for just the second time since his promotion, as he allowed one run in 4 2/3. His issue was command as he walked a season-high four hitters to go with four strikeouts. However, he is still posting a 1.05 ERA which is very impressive. The Cubs wasted little time giving Devers some support as they grabbed the lead on the Jordan Nwogu first-inning homer 1-0. Pat Winkle picked up an RBI double in the bottom of the third to tie things up, as that was it when it came to the offense getting things done off Devers. Looking to retake the lead in the fifth, South Bend plated a pair as Fabian Pertuz laced a go-ahead triple and then came home on a Casey Opitz sacrifice fly. Add in the Pertuz sacrifice fly in the seventh, and the Cubs were in front 4-2 with Michael McAvene set to pitch the eighth. Although he has had a few clunkers this season, McAvene has been very good, and he continued to pitch well thus far in September. Unfortunately, Wednesday was not his night, as he picked a horrible time to have a clunker of an outing. Not only did he allow a Charles Mack homer, but a bases-loaded walk tied the game up 4-4, but the Kernels were not done. An RBI from Kyler Fedko and a Brooks Lee double brought four more runs home for the Kernels as they used a six-run eighth inning to grab the lead and win by that 8-4 score. South Bend had just five hits, with BJ Murray Jr collecting two. We do battle again Thursday. pic.twitter.com/qLFeMRc2KA
The best part about already having a playoff spot is that you don't have to play all of your games should they mean nothing. With the Pelicans in and the Mudcats out, it became an easy decision to cancel this game without a makeup as the weather did the grounds zero favors. 9/7 GAME UPDATEIOWA CUBS 3 - JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMP 1
TENNESSEE SMOKIES vs. PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS (Postponed, Doubleheader Friday)
CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 8 - SOUTH BEND CUBS 4
Myrtle Beach Pelicans vs. Carolina Mudcats (Cancelled)
Due to inclement weather in the surrounding area and the impending impact on the ballpark unfortunately there is no window to get tonight's game in.
Tickets for tonight's game are good for any future regular season home game. (1/2)
