Down on the Farm: Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber promotions pay off early

After a bevy of roster moves over the last few days, the Chicago Cubs farm system has a lot of new faces in new places. But the results for many of those faces stayed the same.

Kris Bryant hit a home run in his Triple-A debut to help lift the I-Cubs to victory, as they improved to 29-0 when leading after seven innings. And this year’s first-round pick Kyle Schwarber had his first hit and RBI for Kane County in their rain-shortened win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Here’s a look at all the games on last night’s slate.

Iowa 6 –  El Paso  (Padres) 2

Kris Bryant homered in his Iowa debut, and Tsuyoshi Wada struck out seven over 6 2/3 innings as the I-Cubs (36-35) downed ElPaso (34-41) 6-2 Thursday night at Principal Park.

Wada entered the game ranking fourth in the PCL in strikeouts, and sixth in ERA. He allowed four hits and two earned runs in his ninth quality start of the year.

The I-Cubs were held hitless for the first three innings. Javy Baez and Chris Valaika started off the fourth with back-to-back knocks. Josh Vitters then continued his hot hitting by dropping a soft fly ball into right field to tie the game 1-1. Vitters had two hits, and is now .387 (12-for-31) with four RBI and four runs scored in his last eight games.

The I-Cubs would break the game open over the next three innings, scoring five times. Arismendy Alcantara went 2-for-5 and stole his 15th base of the season. He has reached base safely in 14 of his last 15 games, and is hitting .345 (19-for-55) in that stretch.

Kris Bryant would then add an insurance run in the seventh with his first home run in Triple-A. Bryant fell down in the count after taking two strikes, then battled back to run the count full before driving his first home run over the right field wall.

The Cubs are now 29-0 when leading after seven innings, one of only two teams in the PCL to hold that distinction.

Daytona 7 – Brevard County (Brewers) 4

With the Cubs down 4-3 in the seventh, Dan Vogelbach ripped a double to score Albert Almora to tie the game, and set in motion a big seventh inning to help lead the Cubs to victory.

After a walk to put two men on, Wilson Contreras hit a laser double to left score two and put the Cubs up 6-4. Daytona (27-42 overall)

Starling Peralta, who entered the game in relief in the fourth, got the much deserved win after 4 2/3 perfect frames while striking out four.

Kane County 7 – Kane County (Twins) 0

The Cougars continued their strong play by opening the second half of the season up much like they finished the first with a 7-0 victory over Cedar Rapids in a game shortened by rain.

The Cougars used a seven-run third inning, with all of the scoring coming with two outs. They used four straight singles, including an RBI single from newly promoted Kyle Schwarber to get things rolling. Daniel Lockhart capped off the scoring with a two-run single to give the Cougars the 7-0 lead.

Daury Torrez pitched five solid innings for the Cougars, allowing just three hits, walking none, and striking out one for the win.

Eugene (Padres) 8 – Boise 7  F/11

The Hawks eliminated a 7-5 deficit in the ninth to send the game to extras, but weren’t able to pull out the extra-inning affair as Jalen Goree hit a line drive single through the drawn in infield to help lift the Emeralds to victory.

Justin Marra had a two-run home run for the Hawks, and David Bote added an RBI double to help tie the game in the third inning.

Trailing 5-4 in the seventh, Goree hit his first professional home run to give the Emeralds a 7-5 lead.

Boise starter Tyler Ihrig went six innings while striking out seven- including five straight at one point.

It was the Hawks fifth-straight extra inning loss, dating back to last season. Boise was unable to capitalize on the Emeralds’ five errors.