Parker Chavers – Picture by Stephanie Lynn

Let’s just say that tonight was a good night to be a fan of hitting. Iowa scored 13 runs in the first game. Myrtle Beach put up seven. It was like a pinball machine from around 6 to 7 PM with South Bend also putting up three early runs. The Smokies came on late scoring four in the seventh as they won over Rocket City.

The Hit Meisters

Iowa – Game 1 – Yonathan Perlaza 2-for-5, 2 RBI; Jared Young 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI; Chase Strumpf 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI; Jake Slaughter 2-for-3

Iowa – Game 2 – Nelson Velazquez 2-for-3. HR;

Iowa won the first game 13-3. Ben Brown struck out 7 in 4.1 IP, but he also walked six. In the nightcap, it was not the hit fest as the opener was. The Cubs jumped out to a 6-3 lead before Keegan Thompson melted down again. They would lose in extras 7-6.

Tennessee – Pete Crow-Armstrong 2-for-4 with a HBP, Haydn McGeary 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, BJ Murray 3-for-4

The Smokies had a 6-3 lead to keep their grasp on first. The bullpen, up to that point, was outstanding including 3 scoreless frames by Carlos Guzman who also struck out four. Unfortunately, Samuel Reyes did not get the memo and gave up 4 in the bottom of the eighth to give Rocket City the lead and the win.

South Bend – Kevin Alcântara 3-for-5; James Triantos 2-for-3

The Cubs won 3-1 to stay in the playoff race. Not a lot going on at the plate but the pitching staff did not allow an earned run as Brandon Birdsell went 4.1 IP with 4 Ks.

Myrtle Beach – Reivaj García 3-for-5; Parker Chavers 2-for-5, HR, 5 RBI; Moises, Ballesteros hit another Dinger on the road; Felix Stephens 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI; Ismael Mena 2-for-4

The Birds win 7-3 and now have a two game lead as Columbia lost. It is looking like a playoff spot is in their future with just over two weeks and the entire team (hitting and pitching) is clicking on all cylinders. Marino Santy continues to improve as a starter. He went 4 innings with 5 Ks and he did not allow any runs.

Hitter of the Day

Chavers is smoking hot this month. Tonight was a 3-for-5 with 5 RBI night.

Statcast of the Day

Note to Self 

Carlos Garcia will be the first SP called up to Myrtle Beach. Tonight, he threw 3.2 scoreless frames in Mesa and struck out seven. Write his name down or type it, put it on a post it note, whatever, but he is going to be a name to know for the next couple of years.