Chicago Cubs Minor League recaps: Iowa Cubs beat Nashville, 4-1

Left handed starting pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada took the mound tonight for the Iowa Cubs against the Nashville Sound. Wada pitched through six and two-third solid innings tonight, and was only charged with one earned run which came via a home run. Wada struck out eight batters and finished the game with a 1.35 ERA.

The home run came during the top of the second inning off a solo home run by second baseman Eugenio Velez off the third pitch of the at-bat. This was his first home run of the season, giving his team the early 1-0 lead. Cubs catcher Eli Whiteside evened the score during the bottom of the fifth inning on a single to center field, driving in outfielder Brett Jackson.

Third baseman Christian Villanueva helped extend the Cubs lead on a three-run shot to left field, which ended with him celebrating at home plate with Matt Szczur and Chris Coghlan. It was Villanueva’s first home run of the 2014 season. Right-handed pitcher Blake Parker entered the ninth inning with the opportunity to pick up his first save of the season and did just that.

Things got a little carried away at first after a two out single by Eugenio Velez which was followed by a double from Hunter Morris. Nashville called upon Jeremy Hermida to pinch hit for Dustin Molleken. Parker was able to close out the game by striking out Hermida.

Winner pitcher was Tsuyoshi Wada (1-0, 1.35 ERA), losing pitcher was Kyle Heckathorn (0-1, 16.20 ERA) and Blake Parker picked up the save (1).

Final Score: Cubs 4, Sounds 1.