Rough Night For Iowa Cubs, But Owen Ayers Stays Red Hot
It was a tough evening for the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park, but Chicago Cubs farmhands across the system still gave fans plenty to talk about. While the Triple-A squad took a brutal beating on the diamond, catching prospect Owen Ayers is putting on a power display in Double-A that demands attention.
Iowa Cubs Overwhelmed By Louisville
The Iowa Cubs were locked in a cave by the Louisville Bats, falling in a brutal 20-5 blowout. Starting pitcher Jordan Wicks took the loss after a rough outing. Wicks gave up eight runs on eight hits over three innings of work. Only four of those runs were earned, but it was Wicks' own fielding error that opened the floodgates for Louisville's five-run third inning. He walked three batters and struck out just one.
Despite the lopsided score, a few Iowa hitters put together solid at bats. Shortstop Ben Cowles went 2 for 2 with a double, a walk, and a sacrifice fly. He scored twice and drove in two runs. Third baseman James Triantos added two hits in four at bats, including a double. Left fielder Justin Dean went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI.
In other roster news, the Cubs organization released right-handed pitcher Jeff Brigham. Brigham was signed to a minor league deal during the offseason, but an injury in Spring Training kept him from ever taking the mound for Iowa or any other affiliate.
Owen Ayers Dominates Double-A Pitching
Down in Tennessee, Knoxville Smokies catcher Owen Ayers is putting together an incredible season. The Smokies split a doubleheader with the Montgomery Biscuits, losing game one 10-6 before taking game two 10-8. Ayers was the undeniable star of both games.
In the opener, Ayers went a perfect 4 for 4 with three doubles and three runs batted in. He didn't slow down in the nightcap either. Ayers kicked off game two with an RBI single, then crushed a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Smokies some much needed insurance runs. It was his 17th home run of the year.
After a slow May where he hit just .191, Ayers is tearing the cover off the ball in June. Over his first eight games this month, he is hitting an astonishing .586 with a 1.138 slugging percentage. He has already mashed seven doubles and three home runs in June alone.
On the mound for Knoxville, Connor Schultz started game one but struggled, giving up seven runs on five hits over 2.1 innings. Yenrri Rojas started game two, allowing two runs in two innings. Erian Rodriguez picked up the win despite giving up four runs in relief, and Vince Reilly closed the door with a save.
The Smokies offense provided plenty of firepower. Left fielder Edgar Alvarez tied game one with a two-run homer, his seventh of the year. Shortstop Karson Simas drove in three runs and collected two hits. Second baseman Hayden Cantrelle went 2 for 3 with two stolen bases, and first baseman Cameron Sisneros added an RBI double.
South Bend Closing In On Division Title
The South Bend Cubs moved one step closer to a first-half division title, taking down the Peoria Chiefs 5-3. Their magic number to clinch is now down to three. Rain delayed the start by over two hours, so the teams played a seven-inning contest.
Starter Eli Jerzembeck gave up two early runs, but the bullpen came through in a big way. Reliever Kevin Valdez threw the final five innings, allowing just one run on three hits. He didn't walk anyone and struck out eight batters, tying his career high.
Center fielder Josiah Hartshorn tied the game in the third inning with a two-run home run, his tenth of the year and fifth with South Bend. Designated hitter Kane Kepley tripled and scored twice. Shortstop Ty Southisene reached base twice and stole two bags. Jose Escobar added a key two-run double.
Myrtle Beach Snaps Losing Skid
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans finally got back in the win column, beating the Augusta GreenJackets 5-2 to snap an eight-game losing streak. Braylon Myers made only his second start of the season and threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Hayden Frank picked up the win in relief, surrendering just one run over four solid innings of work. Right fielder Eli Lovich contributed at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.