Tennessee and Eugene are the only two Cubs affiliates with realistic chances of claiming a playoff slot in the second half, and things aren’t look really great for either team. Myrtle Beach is already in the playoffs as a result of winning the first half division title.
In the case of Tennessee, they need to catch Montgomery in the overall standings, or they need to win the division outright. They are nine games back in the division, so that one is unlikely. And they are four and a half behind Montgomery. The Smokies have played some good baseball lately, but they have not been able to gain any ground thanks in part to a (still active) six game Montgomery winning streak. The Smokies do head to Montgomery this week; a sweep on the road would do wonders for their playoff chances.
Eugene is in better shape, but their margin for error is vanishing fast. A suddenly hot Boise team is within a game and a half of the Emeralds in the overall standings, and is half a game up on the Emeralds in the second half standings. If either Boise or Eugene wins the second half title, they are in the playoffs; Boise is tied at the top with first half winner Hillsboro, and Eugene is one game back. If Hillsboro wins, then we’re back to next best overall record.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Omaha 5, Iowa 2
After two rough innings, Iowa pitched seven shutout frames.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Biloxi 5, Tennessee 0
Despite five hits, the Smokies were shutout.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Myrtle Beach 8, Carolina 3
Four pitchers combined to strike out ten Mudcats.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
South Bend 12, Dayton 4
The Cubs piled up sixteen hits, five of them doubles.
Short Season A: Eugene Emeralds
Eugene 4, Spokane 1
Despite four errors, the Emeralds picked up the win.
Rookie: AZL Cubs
Arizona had the day off.
Other Notes