Andy Garriola – Picture by Stephanie Lynn

I do not remember this happening in a long time. Last night, all four full-season affiliates won, a sweep if you will. Tonight, the same thing happened again! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen back-to-back system sweeps and it’s pretty cool to get to talk about it tonight!

The 6 RBI Club – Only One Member

Andy Garriola had himself a night as he went 4-for-6 with a three-run homer and three doubles, which also resulted in another three runs. For those of you that struggled with math, that is six RBI I’m just here to help. It’s what I do.

3 Hit Club

Myrtle Beach also had three members of the three hit club. Reivaj García, Cristian Hernandez, and Pedro Ramirez got it done tonight.

It was not a Jackson Ferris’ best night as he walked four and he only lasted 2/3 of an inning before he was removed.. Thankfully, Koen Moreno stepped up and went three innings of scoreless baseball and Scarlyn Lebron only gave up two in his three innings. Eventually, the Pelicans won 10 to 5.

The Hit Parade Continues

One of the things I’ve talked about a lot is the fact that South Bend has had some struggles over the last six weeks with their offense. It seems like the Peoria Chiefs are the cure to help them overcome their woes and deficiencies. Tonight, the Cubs rattled off 13 hits and scored nine runs. Both Moises, Ballesteros and Felix Stevens had three hits. That is the third time in the last week that Ballesteros has had three hits in a game. James Triantos went1-for-5, but hit is third home run of the year, and Ethan Hearn went 2-for-3, including a two run single.

Brody McCullough had his second good start in a row as he went 4.1 innings in the extreme heat and gave up just 1 run while striking out 2.

The Machine Rolls On

The Tennessee Smokies are just kicking butt and taking names in July. Tonight, Owen Caissie’s night hit a two-run homer and a double to drive in three. Pablo Aliendo out did as he hit a three-run homer, and also had a single to drive in a fourth.. The two youngsters are positioning themselves right behind Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went 2-for-4, to head to Iowa as soon as possible. I don’t know if the Cubs consider Caissie close to being ready for Triple-A, but Aliendo most certainly has to be. But with Tennessee in the playoff hunt, that could change things.

Walker Powell had a quality start. He went six innings and struck out five while giving up just to runs. Porter Hodge and Samuel Reyes struck out six combined over the last three frames as the Smokies won 10-2.

Iowa Reminisces on How to Score Lots of Runs

In the first half of the year, the Iowa Cubs just pummeled their opponents. It wasn’t uncommon to see them score 10 runs in a game, and tonight the offense came pretty close to returning to form. Jake Slaughter started everything off with a solo shot in the second. It was 1-1 heading into the sixth inning when Nick Madrigal and Matt Mervis both singled and then Slaughter walked to load the bases. Edwin Rios then hit a two-run single followed by Alexander Canario who hit another single to make it 5-1 Cubs. Then in the seventh, a Perlaza double and a Nick Madrigal single was the appetizer for Matt Mervis who brought everybody home with a three run shot to centerfield to make it 8 to 1.

Keegan Thompson was roughed up in his return off the IL as he gave up 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning. That closed the gap to 8-5, Cubs.

The Cubs added two more in the ninth to go onto win 10-7. Rios had 3 RBI on the day as six Cubs had 2 hits.

Starting Pitcher of the Day.

This goes out to Caleb Kilian, who went 5.2 innings, and only allowed one run. He walked two and struck out two, and only was allowed to throw 80 pitches, 56 of which were for strikes. I’m liking what he’s doing this month. In 19.2 innings, Killian has, a 3.20 ERA. He’s not going to be pitcher of the month, but he has been one of the most improved pitchers in the month.

The affiliates will go for the trifecta sweep tomorrow!