Down on the Farm: Javier Baez struggles in return, Smokies win big

2 of 3

Mar 8, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman

Logan Watkins

(22) singles in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

What’s going on Chicago Cubs fans? I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful weekend and more importantly, a very Happy Easter.

With the big league Cubs falling to the Reds 8-2, all eyes were on the minor league guys who took the field today to get the ‘W’. Quick note: Daytona Cubs and the Kane County Cougars were off on Sunday and begin another series tomorrow. But first, let’s do a quick recap for yesterday’s action.

Final Scores: BIR 5, TEN 4 – RR 12 – IOW 2 – DAY 3, KC 2 – DAYC 9, TAM 1.

First up we have the Tennessee Smokies taking on the Birmingham Barons yet again. Tennessee is looking to rebound from a one run loss during yesterday’s contest and did exactly that. The Smokies picked apart almost every Birmingham pitcher that took the mound as they were able to record eight runs off 10 hits.

Third base prospect Kris Bryant finished the game 2-4 with three RBIs. Bryant led off the game with an RBI single in the first for a 1-0 lead, he then added another single to center in the fifth for a 6-2 lead. Outfielder Rubi Silva also had a solid day at the plate with two hits and two RBIs.

Silva’s two RBIs were recorded in the fifth inning off a single to center, for a 4-2 lead. He also reached on a fielding error during the seventh, which helped make it 7-2 after Bryant put two more on the board. The Smokies picked up five runs in the fifth then added two insurance runs in the seventh.

Top pitching prospect C.J. Edwards took the mound, looking for his first win on this season. He gave up two earned runs on three hits, struck out four and walked two over six innings.

24-year-old right-hander, Hunter Cervenka entered in relief and gave up one earned run on two hits over two innings.

Winning pitcher tonight was C.J. Edwards (1-0, 2.61 ERA) taking the loss was Chris Beck (2-2, 5.91 ERA).

Final Score: Smokies 8, Barons 3.

Tennessee Smokies improve to 8-9.

The other game played tonight was between the Iowa Cubs and the Round Rock Express.

Now the Cubs were able to keep up with the Express when it came to hits, but were unable to put any runs on the scoreboard the entire game. Round Rock put the first run on the board during the top of the fifth inning then added another five during the top of the fifth. Starting pitcher Carlos Pimentel was pulled from the game after six innings as he was charged with three earned runs off four hits, one home run and striking out five batters.

The home run was hit by Adam Rosales during the top of the fifth inning. Chris Gimenez would be the final batter he would face of the evening, but allowed the Express to extend their lead to 2-0 off a single hit by Gimenez. Zac Rosscup would replace him but that wouldn’t stop Round Rock from putting together a string of hits and putting up more runs.

He walked in back-to-back runs with the bases loaded. Brett Nicholas would later make him pay with a two run single to center field, making it 6-0.

Javier Baez also made his return from the seven day disabled list with a sore ankle,but was non-existent as he went 0-for-3 at the plate.

Winning pitcher for tonight’s game is Nick Tepesch (3-1, 2.46 ERA), losing pitcher is Carlos Pimentel (1-3, 6.14 ERA).

Final Score: Express 6, Cubs 0.

Iowa Cubs fall to 8-9.

Home / Chicago Cubs Prospects

Schedule