Down on the Farm: Kane County Cougars' winning streak snapped

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Feb 19, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher

throws (67) during a workout at Cubs Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

What’s going on Chicago Cubs fans? I hope each and everyone of you enjoyed your Good Friday and have yourselves an amazing weekend and a Happy Easter. Now I missed out on some Minor League recaps last night, so before we begin tonight’s coverage let’s go ahead and check out the final scores from last night’s action.

The Iowa Cubs took on the New Orleans Zephyrs yet again but managed to get shut out, losing 1-0. Tennessee Smokies took on the Jackson Generals but gave up five runs during the top of the ninth inning which result in a 5-2 loss. The Kane County Cougars continued their winning ways as they picked up their eighth win in a row by putting up 13 runs against the Dayton Dragons in a 13-1 route.

And then we had the Daytona Cubs who have completely struggled early on in 2014. They were matched up against the Tampa Yankees, and held the lead until the top of the sixth inning. This game would go into extras, where the Yankees would store the deciding run and walk away with the 6-5 victory.

Now that we have those quick recaps out of the way, let’s begin with tonight’s action.

Quick note: Daytona vs Tampa was postponed due to the weather.

We’ll get tonight’s recaps started with the hottest Chicago Cubs Minor League affiliate down on the farm so far this year, the Kane County Cougars. The Cougars entered the game with an 11-3 record, winners of eight straight. This team has competed in some close games, but has had clutch at-bats and solid pitching from not only the starting rotation but the bullpen as well. If they’re able to keep this up, there’s no reason why they can’t finish the year as the best team in Class-A ball.

Despite Kane County’s ability to put together hits and produce runs, the Dayton Dragons were able to keep the Cougars off the scoreboard tonight. The Dragons put up two runs in the bottom of the first, another during the bottom of the second, two more during the bottom of the fifth, and four more during the bottom of the seventh inning.

The Dragons’ Tanner Rahier had himself a fantastic night in the batters box as he finished 2-4 with three RBIs. He launched a two run shot off Cougars pitcher Juan Paniauga during the bottom of the fifth which made it 3-0 Dayton. He later doubled during the bottom of the seventh inning to make it 7-0.

Kane County was held to just five hits on the night.

The Cougars sent right-hander Juan Paniagua to the mound today in hopes of picking up win number nine in this huge winning streak. Paniagua was pulled after five innings of work, giving up five earned runs off six hits with four walks.

Tonight’s winner is Nick Travieso (2-0, 1.59 ERA), loss was handed to Juan Paniauga (0-1, 5.54 ERA).

Final Score: Dayton 9, Cougars 0.

Kane County falls to 11-4 on the season.

Next up we had the Tennessee Smokies who were looking to pick up their seventh win of the season.

The Smokies were able to pick up a 2-0 lead after six innings, but were unable to keep things together during the top of the ninth. John Andreoli picked up his sixth stolen base of the season during the bottom of the fifth as he was able to steal home to make it 1-0. Third base prospect Kris Bryant launched his fourth home run of the season during the bottom of the sixth to make it 2-0 Smokies.

It looked as if Ivan Pineyro was going to finally record his first win of the season as he picked up 6 2/3solid innings with eight strikeouts. He was pulled from the game and replaced by right-hander Ryan Searle.

This is when things got out of control and the game slipped away from the Smokies. Searle took over and looked great until it was time to close things up. The Jackson Generals quickly turned his solid inning into a complete nightmare as they pushed across five runs during the top half of the ninth. Kevin Rivera and John Hicks both doubled to take a 3-2 lead, officially handing Searle a blown save.

Leon Landry would line a single to left field to make it 5-2. Smokies were unable to respond during the bottom of the ninth inning, which resulted in Searle picking up the loss and a great outing by Pineyro going to waste.

Winning pitcher is Mayckol Guaipe (1-0, 0.00 ERA) with the loss and blown save being handed to Ryan Searle (1-1, 6.23 ERA, 1 BS).

Final Score: Jackson 5, Smokies 2.

Tennessee falls to 7-8.

With the Daytona Cubs being postponed yet again and the other two Minor League affiliates falling to their opponents, the Iowa Cubs were hoping to give this organization its only win of the day.

I hate to disappoint everybody else, but the Triple-A Cubs were unable to do much of anything tonight despite a great outing by starting pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada. Wada has pitched well in every one of his outings and did just enough to keep the Zephyrs contained until he was pulled after eight solid innings. The only run of the ball game was score during the top of the first inning after Josh Rodriguez took Wada deep to left field for his third home run of the season to make it 1-0.

After that, Wada held New Orleans to only three hits while striking out five but his team was unable to help him out. Only two Cubs managed to record a hit tonight against New Orleans. Shortstop Chris Valaika and utilityman Logan Watkins finished the game with their only two hits of the night. Watkins picked up a hit after pinch-hitting for Wada.

Winning pitcher from tonight’s action is Brian Flynn (1-1, 3.86 ERA), loss was handed to Tsuyoshi Wada (2-1, 0.84 ERA) with the save being recorded by Henry Rodriguez (1).

Final Score: New Orleans 1, Iowa 0.

Iowa falls to 8-7.

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