Just when the farm system looked like a source of sadness this season, we get a day like yesterday. Pick a game, any game, and there are good things to see.
But the highlight came from Double A. When this season started we had high hopes for Oscar De La Cruz, and then he got off to a slow start. But we knew patience was in order. De La Cruz had an injury shortened 2017 campaign, and there was bound to be some rust. So we tried not to panic. And last night he delivered ten strikeouts in less than six shutout innings. That sound you hear is an army of Cubs fans breathing a sigh of relief.
Normally on Sunday we run down the standings, but let’s forego that this week. Why bring bad news into an otherwise good day? I’ll just say that none of the teams are currently in contention and leave it at that.
Now, back to enjoying all the good stuff from yesterday.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Iowa 7, Round Rock 3
Adbert Alzolay started each of Iowa’s last three wins.
Adbert Alzolay: 4.2 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K
Rob Zastryzny: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB
Justin Hancock: 1.2 IP, 1H, 2 K
Dillon Maples: 1 IP, 1 BB
David Bote: 2 for 4, HR, BB
Efren Navarro: 2 for 4, 2B
Jacob Hannemann: 2 for 3, 2B, BB
Chesny Young: 1 for 3, 2B
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Tennessee 3, Birmingham 1
Now that’s the Oscar De La Cruz we were looking for this season.
Oscar De La Cruz: 5.2 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 10 K
James Norwood: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K
Craig Brooks: 2 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K
Jeffrey Baez: 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB
Zack Short: 1 for 3, 2B, BB
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Myrtle Beach 2, Lynchburg 1
Matt Swarmer continued his breakout with another very good performance.
Matt Swarmer: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 7 K
Wyatt Short: 1.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K
Tyler Peyton: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K
Andruw Monasterio: 2 for 3, 2 2B, 2 BB
Jhonny Pereda: 2 for 4, BB
Wladimir Galindo: 3 for 5
Austin Upshaw: 2 for 4
Low A: South Bend Cubs
South Bend 9, Peoria 7
Lots of offense in this one, including three South Bend homers.
Brendon Little: 6 IP, 5 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 7 K
Brendan King: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 K
Jared Young: 3 for 5, 2B, HR
Austin Filiere: 1 for 5, HR
Michael Cruz: 1 for 4, HR
Chris Singleton: 2 for 3, BB
Yeiler Peguero: 3 for 4, 2B, 3B
Zach Davis: 1 for 3, SB
Other Notes
It wasn’t Alzolay’s best start, he kept the Cubs in the game, and the bullpen was (once again) excellent.
David Bote has hit in seven straight games, including all six since he returned from Chicago on April 30. In each of the last four games, he’s had two hits.
Jared Young went on the disabled on April 19, but until then he looked like the front runner for the Cubs Player of the Month for April. That honor went to Jeffrey Baez, but now that Young is back in action, keep an eye on him in May.
Unfortunately we have only one highlight from yesterday, but it is a good one. David Bote shows off some power:
https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/992959408526196736
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