• Game Time – 3:10pm CDT
• Coverage – TV: WGN TV – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channels 184/844
• Location – Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

Travis Wood (4-2, 2.24/0.93) vs. Homer Bailey (2-3, 3.09/1.11)

The Cubs will shoot to put an end to their season-long five-game losing streak tonight behind Travis Wood. The middle of the lineup is not hitting right now and until Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano start hitting again, the Cubs will continue to lose games. Rizzo is hitless over the last four games and has not made much contact in nearly a week. The Cubs have lost their last five games by a total of eight runs while having plenty of chances to score runs … and it will not get any easier for the offense this afternoon with Homer Bailey on the mound for the Reds.

The Reds are playing good ball right now while beating the teams they should. The Cubs have lost six of the seven games against the Redlegs this season while only being outscored 34-25.

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The post Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 05/25/13 appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

The Cubs talked about the importance of getting off to a good start in the spring. The team has been in just about every game this year and as FanGraphs pointed out, the Cubs have played better than their record indicates. But the bottom line is, Memorial Day is still two days away and the Cubs are in the middle of their longest losing streak of the season with a very difficult stretch of games ahead of them.

Once the draft is in the rearview mirror, the Cubs will likely focus on turning short-term pieces into long-term assets.

While the rumors are few and far between right now, many feel the Cubs will look to trade players such as Scott Feldman, Kevin Gregg and possibly David DeJesus. James Russell has been mentioned as a player the Cubs could listen on but some think that Russell could stick around due to his low cost, what the Cubs could want in return for him and the fact the organization is void of left handed relievers near Major League ready.

Several scouts were on hand to watch Matt Garza face the Pirates and if Garza keeps pitching the way he did last Tuesday, teams will be calling the Cubs about his availability. It is unclear at this point due to several factors if the Cubs are looking to trade Garza or keep him.

Alfonso Soriano

Alfonso Soriano is frustrated and no longer wants to be on a losing team according to a report from Cubs.com. Soriano said the games that upset him the most is when they have leads and end up losing a game they should have won.

Soriano likes what he’s seen from the rotation and feels they are good enough to have a better record than they do at this point of the season.

June Draft

After meeting with Jonathan Gray earlier in the week, Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod were in Northern California on Friday according to the Tribune watching Kris Bryant and Mark Appel. The Tribune reported the Cubs have “narrowed their choice for the second overall pick” to four college players … Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, Kris Bryant and Colin Moran. The Tribune labeled third baseman Moran as a “dark horse”.

News, Notes and Rumors

According to multiple reports, Dale Sveum plans to use either Alfonso Soriano or Dioner Navarro as the Cubs DH during the two games on the South Side. The White Sox are planning on running out lefties Jose Quintana (Monday) and Chris Sale (Tuesday) for the two games at the Cell. The Cubs should face three lefties in the four games against the Sox next week with John Danks making his return to the Sox rotation on Friday. The Cubs are 4-10 in games started by lefties this season and Dale Sveum has mentioned the possibility of not using his right-handed lineup against lefty starters.

According to a report from Baseball America, “the Cubs have made it clear that they will do whatever it takes to land Dominican outfielder Eloy Jimenez and Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres“ when the international free agent signing period begins on July 2. Ben Badler also reported the Cubs will “spend heavily on two players, then possibly trade for more pool space.”

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The post Are the Cubs Close to Shopping Players? And Other News and Notes appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

WP – Bronson Arroyo (5-4) LP – Scott Feldman (4-4) Save – Aroldis Chapman (11)

Scott Feldman’s string of very good outings came to a screeching halt in the fourth inning of Friday night’s game. The Cubs took a 3-0 lead into the fourth that quickly evaporated. The Reds hit a pair of long home runs off Scott Feldman that accounted for four of the five runs off Feldman in the fourth inning.

Scott Feldman cruised through the first three innings but the Reds caught up with him the second time through the lineup and put the game away with a five-run fourth inning. Joey Votto led off the fourth with a monster shot to left center. After a single by Brandon Phillips, a wild pitch, a throwing error and a walk, Xavier Paul singled in the Reds second run. Ryan Hanigan then turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 Reds lead with one swing of the bat. Hanigan pulled a 3-2 pitch down the line in left and into the stands for a three-run home run.

The five runs scored off Feldman in the fourth equaled the amount of run he had allowed in his five previous outings. Feldman was lifted with one out in the sixth after giving up five runs on seven hits with a walk, a wild pitch and five strikeouts on 104 pitches, 63 for strikes. Scott Feldman lost a game for the first time since April 21.

The Reds tacked on a pair of runs in the eighth on a two-run shot by Brandon Phillips off of Hector Rondon. Six of the Reds’ seven runs on Friday night scored on three long home runs.

Scott Feldman helped his own cause in the second inning. Feldman launched the first home run of his career, a two-run shot off Bronson Arroyo. Cubs’ pitchers have driven in 15 runs this season, the most in baseball, and the 15 RBI this month are the most by a Cubs’ pitching staff in a single month since August of 1937

Scott Feldman supplied a majority of the Cubs’ offense on Friday night. Darwin Barney (0-for-3 with a sac fly RBI) drove in the first run of the game with a sac fly in the second inning. The Cubs scored three of their four runs in the second inning and were able to get within one run in the eighth after Ryan Sweeney (1-for-4 with a double and a run scored) led off with a double and scored on a single by Luis Valbuena (2-for-3 with a double, a RBI, a run scored and a walk).

Dioner Navarro (1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk) scored one of the Cubs’ four runs and worked one of the Cubs’ three walks. The Cubs notched as many hits as the Reds (10) but only three went for extra bases while the Reds three extra basehits left the park, two of them with runners on base. The Cubs were 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.

Anthony Rizzo went 0-for-5 and remains hitless on the road trip.

With Friday’s loss, the Cubs have dropped a season-high five games in a row and dropped to a season-worst 11 games under .500 with an 18-29 record. The Cubs have now lost 15 of the last 17 games against the Reds.

Both teams managed a single in the first inning. Scott Feldman retired three of the four hitters he faced on 17 pitches, 11 for strikes. The Cubs managed only a Starlin Castro infield single in the first. Arroyo threw 19 pitches, 13 for strikes.

Luis Valbuena doubled to left center with one out in the second inning. Dioner Navarro followed with a single to center (2-1 pitch). Valbuena had to wait to make sure Choo did not catch the sinking liner and had to stop at third. Darwin Barney pulled a 0-1 pitch into left center. Valbuena tagged and scored, 1-0 Cubs.

Scott Feldman stepped in and worked a full count … then launched Arroyo’s next offering into the stands in right center. Feldman’s first career homer put the Cubs up 3-0. DeJesus grounded out second to end the inning. Arroyo needed 45 pitches, 29 for strikes, to get through two innings.

Scott Feldman retired the six batters he faced in the second and third inning. Feldman threw only 34 pitches, 20 for strikes, over the first three innings.

After the Cubs could not take advantage of an Arroyo balk that put Valbuena in scoring position in the fourth inning, Feldman caught Cozart looking to start the fourth.

Joey Votto drove Feldman’s first pitch deep to left center. Votto’s eighth of the season was a bomb and cut the Cubs lead to 3-1. Brandon Phillips ripped a 2-2 pitch into left for single. A 2-2 pitch in the dirt to Bruce got away from Navarro, but not far enough. Navarro made a bad decision and tried to throw out Phillips at second. The off-balance, rushed throw was short and skipped past Castro, who did not come off the bag and try to keep the ball from going in the outfield. Phillips ended up at third with one out with what was ruled a wild pitch and a throwing error by Navarro. Feldman struck out Bruce swinging for the second out and appeared to catch Todd Frazier looking at a 2-2 pitch. Feldman missed on his 3-2 pitch to Frazier and walked him.

Xavier Paul cut the Cubs’ lead to 3-2 with a single to center after Feldman did not get the call on a 1-2 pitch. Phillips trotted in as Frazier advanced to third with two down. Feldman then floated a breaking ball to Ryan Hanigan on a 3-2 pitch. Hanigan pulled the hanger down the left field and into the stands. Hanigan’s three-run shot put the Reds up 5-3. Arroyo popped out to right to end the inning.

Scott Feldman allowed five runs in the fourth on 40 pitches … Feldman’s pitch count escalated to 74 after four complete, 45 for strikes.

The game went to the eighth with the Reds holding onto the 5-3 lead.

Jonathan Broxton took over for Logan Ondrusek to start the eighth. Ryan Sweeney pulled a 0-1 pitch down the right field line and ended up at second with a double. Nate Schierholtz grounded out to short. Sweeney got away with a bad decision to run to third when Cozart threw out Schierholtz at first. Luis Valbuena followed and drove a 1-0 pitch back up the middle and into center. Sweeney scored, 5-4 Reds. Broxton struck out Navarro swinging and Barney lined out to Votto to end the inning.

Hector Rondon stayed in for the eighth. Rondon set down the side in order in the seventh but was not as fortunate in his second inning of work. Votto singled to center on a 1-0 pitch. Brandon Phillips stepped in and put together a long at bat then ended with a long home run. Phillips launched a 3-2 pitch, the ninth offering of the at bat, over the wall in left center … 7-4 Reds. Rondon retired three of the next four batters to end the inning, but the damage was done and the Cubs were down by three going into the ninth.

Scott Hairston led off the ninth hitting for Rondon. Hairston singled to left and took second with DeJesus at the plate. Aroldis Chapman struck out DeJesus swinging then walked Starlin Castro. Rizzo looked at a 0-2 pitch for the second out. With two on and two down, Alfonso Soriano hit for Sweeney … and struck out swinging to end the game.

• Box Score from Yahoo Sports
• PBP from Yahoo Sports

Travis Wood takes on Homer Bailey on Saturday afternoon.

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The post Reds Drop the Hanigan on Feldman – Cubs 4, Reds 7 appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

• Game Time – 6:10pm CDT
• Coverage – TV: WGN TV – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channels 184/844
• Location – Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

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The post Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 05/24/13 appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

If you can do just ONE of those things two out of ten times then you may actually have a chance to play for the Chicago Cubs!!

It’s Friday, the Cubs have lost five out of six after a very promising week, and not even the silver linings seem that bright right about now … so let’s get to some rambling.

• Another 8-inning masterpiece from Jeff Samardzija results in another Loss.  Good times, Shark … Very good, times.
• Welcome back, Chin Salad!  Nice to have you in the rotato again.  Five innings, no runs, bullpen explosion.  Yep, sounds like an average Tuesday night in Cubdom.
• It is May 24^th and Cody Ransom is hitting .304 with 3 homers.  Wait, what?
• Hey, Rizzo, this yo-yoing of your batting average is not so much fun to watch.  Probably less fun to experience, I get that, but come on, let’s stick around .290 for more than a week!!
• David DeJesus is on pace to be the Cubs All-Star representative in July.  Think about it.   Go look at his numbers.  His slash line is .296/. 363/. 507 with 5 HR, 16 RBI and 3 steals.
• Also, “Slash Line” sounds like something backstage at a GnR show in the 80’s.  And let’s not even get into … never mind.
• He is the most complete player on the team right now.  And to think how many people were disgusted with his signing at two years for $10 million, with a club option for next year.
• If you were upset about it, feel better.  You were totally wrong, but feel better.
• Starlin needs to buck up and level out soon.  He has shown zero improvement, and yes, he should continue to improve.
• I don’t know the kid, but it has always seemed like focus, or a lack of it, was his main issue.  Sveum basically said it is up to the kid to improve.  He has been a pro for three full years now.
• Guess what?  The Cubs had the bases loaded with no outs on Wednesday night and didn’t score a run.  Not only did Ronnie roll over in his grave, he yelled at Pat as well.
• Kevin Gregg:  12 G’s.  0.00 ERA.  6 for 6 Saves.  Yep, called it in March, right along with Louisville winning the tourney and Urlacher retiring.
• And back into last place.  Just when the Cubs had me thinking they could be a third-and-a-half-place team, they went and brought me back to reality.  Good times.
• My favorite stat:  Alfonso Soriano leads the Cubs with five stolen bases.  I think, in a way, that sums it up just perfectly.
• It’s nice to see Almora back in action on the farm.   I just fear he may be one more play away from another injury.  I hope he holds up over time.  Then again, I remember hoping Bobby Brownlie would avoid injury as well.
• If it were up to me, I would pick Appel if he is available.  Again, that is just me.  He is Major-League ready.
• If the Cubs get an above-average prospect for Feldman, then McThoyer is owed an apology.  They take the brunt, but that would be a coup.
• It will be interesting to see how the Brass plays their hand with Chin Salad.  If he is just lights out over the next two months, they could probably get a king’s ransom for him.  Or, they could go all in and sign him.  It will be fun to watch this play out over the next two months.
• Brett Jackson is batting .254 with 35 strikeouts.  We always must temper our expectations with prospects.  A first-round draft pick is never the future, until the future arrives.  And even if he arrives, Marcus Giles runs into him and then he is hit with a line drive in the elbow.
• And finally tonight, I am still wondering what would have happened if the Cubs held on to Sean Marshall. One World Series or two?

Happy Memorial Day to each and every one of you.  I hope you spend it with loved ones and always remember, cherish and appreciate the sacrifices brave men and women made for us.

And until next time …

Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!

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The 36-year old veteran reliever has been rehabbing in Mesa since February and progressed well enough to throw off a mound and increase his pitch count to between 50-70 pitches. The report indicated that Lim is not yet throwing at full strength.

Chang-Yong Lim’s agent estimated that his client could be ready by July but the Cubs might hold him back until early August before he begins a rehab assignment in the Cubs’ system. Lim is not on the Cubs’ 40-man roster.

The Cubs signed Lim to a two-year contract that reportedly included a $100,000 signing bonus. Multiple reports at the time suggested the contract could be worth $5 million if he is added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster and pitches in the big leagues. The two-year deal does not become guaranteed until the Cubs’ purchase his contract and until then he is paid the same as any other minor league player.

Chang-Yong Lim owns a career mark of 11-13 in 238 games with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League with a 2.09 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP.

Kyuji Fujikawa and Chang-Yong Lim are very familiar with one another from their days in the Japan Central League. Fujikawa won the saves title in 2011 with 41 and Lim finished fourth that season with 32. The two veteran relievers finished in the top five in saves over a four year stretch from 2008-2011.

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WP – Vin Mazzaro (3-0) LP – Edwin Jackson (1-7) Save – Jason Grilli (19)

Rain just delayed the inevitable on Thursday afternoon at PNC Park as the Cubs dropped the third game of the series and were swept out of Pittsburgh.

The Cubs offense was pretty much a no show and once Edwin Jackson surrendered four runs in the first two innings the game was basically over. Edwin Jackson was hit hard again and gave up four runs on six hits in just three innings. Andrew McCutchen (3-for-4 with two RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases) squared off on Jackson. McCutchen saw only two pitches in his two at bats against Jackson on Thursday and he drove both offerings into the outfield for run scoring singles. McCutchen also ran at will and one of his two steals led to the Pirates’ second run.

Edwin Jackson did not come back after the one hour and 47 minute rain delay, so his final line is pretty indicative of how he pitched. Jackson allowed four runs on six hits with a walk and six strikeouts on 64 pitches, 38 for strikes, in three innings. Jackson lost for the seventh time in a Cubs’ uniform.

The bullpen did a good job of keep the Pirates off the board with five scoreless frames. Rafael Dolis, Carlos Villanueva, Carlos Marmol and Kyuji Fujikawa allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out five batters. And while the offense had chances (2-for-6 with RISP and left five on base), they could not string together any hits with runners on base.

The Cubs managed seven hits but only one went for extra bases. The Cubs lack of patience was on full display again as they worked only one free pass on the afternoon. Both the extra base hit and walk scored … it is all about OPS.

David DeJesus (1-for-4 with a double and a run scored) doubled and scored the Cubs’ first run in the fourth inning on an Anthony Rizzo (0-for-4 with a RBI) groundout. The second run scored in the seventh after Welington Castillo (0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored) walked for just the second time this year. Ryan Sweeney (1-for-1 with a RBI) drove in Castillo with a pinch-hit single. Starlin Castro (2-for-4) collected two hits but was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double leading off the sixth with his team down by three runs.

Thursday’s loss dropped the Cubs to a season-low 10 games under .500 for the season (18-28).

After the Cubs went down in order on just nine pitches to start the game, Starling Marte reached on an infield single to the hole at short to start the Pirates’ first inning. Travis Snider struck out swinging but Marte swiped second. Andrew McCutchen laced the first pitch he saw into the left field corner. Jackson hung a breaking ball and Marte scored easily from second base. Jackson struck out Garrett Jones swinging. McCutchen stole second on the 3-2 pitch to Jones. Jackson then walked Neil Walker.

Michael McKenry stepped in with runners on first and second with two outs and singled to left. Alfonso Soriano’s throw to the plate was offline. McCutchen scored and both Walker and McKenry moved up ninety feet on Soriano’s error. Jackson struck out Pedro Alvarez swinging to end the inning.

Jackson struck out the side but gave up a pair of runs on 29 pitches, 16 for strikes, in the first inning.

The Cubs continued walking to the plate swinging the bat in the second inning. Jeanmar Gomez faced the minimum in the second and it took him only 19 pitches, 13 for strikes, to complete two innings of work.

Edwin Jackson retired Barmes and Gomez rather quickly to start the second. Starling Marte reached on with his second infield single in as many at bat. Marte hit a 1-2 back up the middle that hit off Jackson’s leg. Luis Valbuena tried to make a play but he had no chance with the speedy Marte running to first. Travis Snider drove a 3-2 pitch into the gap in left center. The ball rolled all the way to the wall. Marte was running with the pitch and scored easily on what ended up as a triple for Snider. Andrew McCutchen smoked a Jackson fastball into left center. Snider scored easily … 4-0 Pirates. Jones grounded out to Valbuena in the shift to end the inning.

The Cubs went down in order in the third … 32 pitches for Gomez, 22 for strikes, after three innings. Jackson set down the Pirates in order in the third in what ended up being his final inning of work.

David DeJesus led off the fourth with a double to right. Starlin Castro singled to center. DeJesus held at third with no outs. Anthony Rizzo grounded out to short. Castro was forced at second as DeJesus scored … 4-1 Pirates. Rizzo took over at first and advanced to second when Soriano grounded out to short … Rizzo was running on the 3-2 pitch. Nate Schierholtz reached on an error by Jones and the Cubs had runners on first and third with two down.

Then the game was put into a delay for an hour and 47 minutes.

When the game resumed, Welington Castillo stepped in and swung at the second pitch from new Pirates’ pitcher Vin Mazzaro. Pedro Alvarez made another excellent play at third and threw out Castillo to end the inning.

The game remained 4-1 Pirates until the seventh inning.

Jose Contreras replaced Mazzaro and did just about the impossible. Contreras walked Welington Castillo. Luis Valbuena struck out swinging for the second out. Darwin Barney followed with a bloop single into right center. Castillo advanced to third with two down. As soon as Sweeney was announced at the pinch-hitter, Clint Hurdle went to his pen for lefty Justin Wilson.

Ryan Sweeney hit for Carlos Villanueva and blooped a 1-2 pitch from the southpaw into right field. Castillo scored and Barney advanced to third with two down. David DeJesus popped a 1-2 pitch to a sliding Andrew McCutchen in shallow center to end the inning.

Justin Wilson and Jason Grilli retired the next six Cubs in a row to close out the game … and the series.

• Box Score from Yahoo Sports
• PBP from Yahoo Sports

The Cubs open a three-game series in Cincinnati on Friday night. Scott Feldman is scheduled to face Bronson Arroyo in the first game.

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The post Cubs Swept Out of Pittsburgh – Cubs 2, Pirates 4 appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

• Game Time – 11:35am CDT
• Coverage – TV: Comcast SportsNet – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channels 183/844
• Location – PNC Park, Pittsburgh

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The post Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Pirates – 05/23/13 appeared first on Chicago Cubs Online.

Editor’s Note: Monday’s report will cover games from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday’s report covers games Sunday through Tuesday.

Low Class-A – Kane County Cougars (20-22)

In a see-saw battle on Sunday, Kane County came out on the short end of a 7-6 loss to Cedar Rapids. Jose Rosario made his first start of the season after spending the spring in extended spring training. Rosario pitched well in his first outing. Rosario allowed two runs (one earned) in four innings. Ian Dickson drew the long assignment and struck out four but was batted around for six earned runs over four innings. Eddie Orozco started the ninth in hopes of drawing extra innings, but Orozco issued a pair of walks and a sacrifice fly plated the winning run.

The Cougars took the lead in the third inning as Bijan Rademacher (2-for-4) singled and scored on a double from Carlos Escobar (1-for-4 with a RBI). Escobar moved to third on a groundout, and scored on a fielder’s choice from Oliver Zapata (1-for-5 with a RBI). Zapata then stole second and was able to score on a triple by Gioskar Amaya (1-for-4 with a RBI). Kane County re-tied the game in the sixth as Jeimer Candelario (2-for-4) was on board with a double when Rock Shoulders (1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI) clobbered his tenth home run of the season. Down two runs in the ninth, the stage was set for dramatics as Rademacher reached with a one out single and David Bote (1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI) launched his first home run of the season.

Monday’s game with Cedar Rapids was delayed an hour and thirty minutes due to wet playing conditions. When the field was ready, Kane County built two different three-run leads only to end up losing 8-7. Tayler Scott got the starting call and allowed five runs (four earned) while striking out four in 5.1 innings. Nathan Dorris, who had only allowed three earned runs in his previous 15 innings, gave up three earned runs in 1.2 innings. Steve Perakslis pitched a scoreless ninth, but the damage had already been done.

The Cougars started their scoring in the second inning as Jeimer Candelario (4-for-5 with two RBI) singled and Rock Shoulders walked. A base hit from Willson Contreras (1-for-4 with a RBI) scored Candelario, and a sacrifice fly plated Shoulders. Marco Hernandez (1-for-4) singled to put runners on the corners, and Contreras came home on a force play. The Cougars added three more in the fourth as Bijan Rademacher was hit by a pitch, Oliver Zapata (1-for-4 with a RBI) doubled, and Gioskar Amaya (2-for-4) walked to load the bases. A single by Dan Vogelbach (2-for-5 with two RBI) scored Rademacher and Zapata, while a base hit from Candelario plated Amaya. A comeback attempt in the ninth fell short as Amaya doubled and scored on a single from Candelario.

High Class–A – Daytona Cubs (22-21)

Daytona put on a late surge to pull away from Lakeland 5-4 on Sunday. The D-Cubs took their first lead in the third inning as Tim Saunders (1-for-4 with a RBI) led off with a double and stole third base. A groundout allowed Saunders to score before Taylor Davis (2-for-4) restarted things with a single. Wes Darvill (1-for-4) smashed a ground-rule double, and Davis later scampered home on a wild pitch. Daytona tied the score up in the sixth as a walk to Darvill and a single by Javier Baez (1-for-3), and a wild pitch put runners on second and third. An intentional walk to Dustin Geiger (1-for-3 with a RBI) loaded the bases, and Ben Carhart was hit by a pitch that forced in Darvill. A force out by Saunders drove in Baez. But Dustin Geiger stayed hot and launched a solo home run leading off the eighth inning that would end up being the difference in the game.

Sinkerballer Ben Wells did not keep the ball down on Sunday. Wells was hit hard over his five innings of work. Wells struck out three batters but gave up four runs (three earned) that included a solo home run. Jeffrey Lorick took over in the sixth and helped slam the door on any hopes the Flying Tigers had of coming back. Lorick struck out one in two shutout innings. Luis Liria than came in and added two more scoreless innings to raise his scoreless streak to five as he earned his first save.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Monday saw the debut of another starter and a late inning collapse as Daytona lost 4-1 to Jupiter. The D-Cubs welcomed the return of Kyler Burke, who had been at extended spring training. Burke showed no signs of rust as he held the Hammerheads to an earned run while striking out five in five innings. Eduardo Figueroa got himself in trouble in the eighth inning and couldn’t get out of it. Figueroa ended up allowing three earned runs in 2.1 innings. Sheldon McDonald had to mop up and struck out a batter in the final 0.2 innings.

Daytona’s run came in the fifth as John Andreoli reached on an error, stole second base and scored on a double by Javier Baez (2-for-4 with a RBI).

Daytona had the tables turn on Tuesday, and was able to see the other team’s bullpen implode as it took ten innings for the D-Cubs to beat Jupiter 7-2.  The D-Cubs scored the first run in the fifth inning as Ben Carhart (3-for-5) belted a one out double and eventually scored on a single from John Andreoli (1-for-4 with a RBI). Daytona added a run in the seventh as Javier Baez (2-for-4) led off with a single, stole second base, and scored after two groundouts. The score remained tied 2-2 in the top of the tenth when successive singles by Chad Noble (2-for-4), Chadd Krist (2-for-4), and Zeke DeVoss (1-for-5 with a RBI) loaded the bases. A fielder’s choice off the bat of Wes Darvill (0-for-5 with a RBI) scored pinch-runner Tim Saunders. Baez re-loaded the bases with a single, and Jorge Soler drove in DeVoss and Darvill with a base hit. Baez scored later in the inning on a double-play ball.

P.J. Francescon started the game and put together a solid effort. Francesco struck out three while allowing an earned run in five innings. Austin Reed saw his scoreless streak end at 10.2 innings as he gave up an earned run in two innings of work. Frank Del Valle stretched himself a little and was able to toss two innings of shutout ball to earn his second victory.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Double-A – Tennessee Smokies (23-21)

Rain on Sunday forced the Smokies to play a doubleheader on Monday, and one big inning and one big pitching performance put away Chattanooga 9-2 in game one. The extra day of rest seemed to suit Alberto Cabrera just fine as he went the distance for Tennessee. Cabrera struck out six while allowing two earned runs in seven innings. Cabrera also contributed with his bat, as his double in the third inning drove in Jonathan Mota (1-for-2). The fourth inning began with a single by Arismendy Alcantara (3-for-4 with two RBI), and he trotted home on a Christian Villanueva (1-for-4, two RBI) home run, his third longball of the season. Singles by Rafael Lopez (2-for-4) and Tim Torres (1-for-3 with a RBI) followed, and Lopez scored on a double from Rubi Silva (2-for-4 with a RBI). Mota was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and double by Matt Szczur (1-for-4 with two RBI) plated Torres and Silva. A ground rule double by Alcantara brought home Mota and Szczur. Tennessee tacked on a bonus run in the seventh as Alcantara hit another ground rule double, moved to third on a single by Lopez and scored on a sacrifice fly from Torres.

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A bizarre end wasted another great pitching effort as Tennessee lost to Chattanooga 1-0 in game two. Eric Jokisch has rediscovered his early season form and he baffled the Lookouts for six shutout innings that included five strikeouts. Marcus Hatley took over and gave up a one out double. A wild pitch moved the runner to third, and two intentional walks were issued to set up a force at any base. Hatley then struck out the next batter, but the third strike was a wild pitch, which allowed the runner to score. Christian Villanueva went 2-for-3 for the Smokies in the game.

Tennessee lost another heartbreaker on Tuesday as a late rally came up short in a 5-4, 11-inning loss to Chattanooga. Tennessee took the early lead as Matt Szczur (1-for-6) led off with a double. A sac bunt and a groundout brought him home. Matt Loosen started for the Smokies and allowed three earned runs while striking out three in four innings. A.J. Morris followed and gave up another earned run in an inning of work. Tony Zych, Zac Rosscup, and Trey McNutt each held the Lookouts scoreless for an inning while Tennessee mounted a comeback.

Elliot Soto (2-for-5) started the comeback in the seventh with a single and scored on successive two-out base hits by Arismendy Alcantara (1-for-5) and Rubi Silva (2-for-5 with a RBI). Tennessee tied things in the eighth as singles by Tim Torres (2-for-5) and Soto were sandwiched around a walk to Jonathan Mota to load the bases. A wild pitch scored Torres and moved everyone up ninety feet. A groundout from pinch-hitter Ronald Torreyes drove in Mota. Frank Batista was called on to finish the game out for an over-stretched bullpen and tossed two scoreless innings. But Batista gave up a lead-off single in the 11^th that would come around and score on a wild pitch and a throwing error.

Triple-A – Iowa Cubs (18-24)

Two big innings and two good pitching performances lead Iowa to a 7-3 win over Tucson on Sunday. Starter Nick Struck went six innings and allowed two earned runs while striking out four batters. Yoanner Negrin earned a save the hard way as he delivered three shutout innings with four strikeouts.

The I-Cubs would only need the fourth and fifth innings, as Brad Nelson (2-for-4 with five RBI) homered with Dave Sappelt (2-for-4) aboard. Donnie Murphy (2-for-4 with a RBI) followed that with a solo shot of his own. The fifth inning saw consecutive singles by Brian Bogusevic (1-for-3), Brett Jackson (1-for-3), and Sappelt to open things up. Nelson then wiped the bases clean with a double. A single by Murphy and a groundout plated Nelson.

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Inclement weather on Monday meant a doubleheader on Tuesday as Iowa used some last inning heroic to beat Las Vegas 2-1 in game one. Brooks Raley got the start and allowed an earned run while striking out four in three innings. Raley left with a headache (reported as a migraine) after throwing only 45 pitches. Esmailin Caridad took over and was on top of his game. Caridad limited the 51’s to only one hit and a walk as he struck out two in three innings of work. Rafael Dolis was credited the victory after he struck out the side in the seventh. Brian Bogusevic (1-for-3 with a home run) led off the bottom half of the seventh with a solo home run to tie the game. After a one out walk to Brad Nelson (1-for-2), Ian Stewart singled to put runners on the corners. Donnie Murphy (1-for-3, RBI) then laced a single to score pinch-runner Edwin Maysonet with the game-winner.

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Iowa almost let one slip away in game two as the hero of the day helped preserve a great pitching performance as the I-Cubs held on to win 6-5 against Las Vegas. Starter Barret Loux pitched his best game to date. Loux was perfect through four innings and had a no-hitter broken up with one out in the sixth. Loux ended up allowing four runs (two earned) while striking out five in 5.1 innings. Zach Putnam replaced Loux and got the I-Cubs out of the sixth inning while giving up another earned run. Blake Parker issued a walk but was able to finish off the 51’s for his sixth save.

Singles by Brent Lillibridge (1-for-3) and Brian Bogusevic (2-for-3 with a RBI) put runners on first and third to lead off the game. A sacrifice fly from Dave Sappelt (2-for-3 with two RBI) scored Lillibridge with the first run. The I-Cubs added two more in the third as Bogusevic worked a one out walk and went to third on a throwing error. Sappelt singled in Bogusevic. A two out double from Darnell McDonald (2-for-4 with two RBI) plated Sappelt. It was Sappelt again in the fifth inning as he singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. A base hit by Brad Nelson (1-for-3) put runners on the corners, and McDonald’s second double allowed Sappelt to score. An intentional walk to Edwin Maysonet loaded the bases, and Loux was able to coax a walk to force in Nelson. With the score tied at five in the sixth, it was up to Bogusevic to provide the dramatics. Bogusevic hit his second home run of the day … and it turned out to be the winning run.

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Venezuelan Summer League

After dropping their first four games of the season, the VSL Cubs have won three straight to run their record to 3-4, two games out of first place. Outfielder Arnaldo Calero is fifth in the league in hitting with a .385 average that includes a home run and five RBI. Right behind Calero is outfielder Roney Alcala. Alcala is hitting .570 with a home run and seven RBI. First baseman Delbis Arcilia is also fifth in the league with eight RBI to go along with two home runs and a .333 average. In the week since opening, RHP Greyfer Eregua is leading the league with a 0.75 WHIP, as well as posting a 0.00 ERA that includes six strikeouts in seven innings. Right-hander Francisco Carrillo also has six strikeouts in 7.1 innings to go along with a 2.45 ERA.

News and Notes

The Chicago Cubs released RHP David Cales from Daytona; assigned LHP Kyler Burke to Daytona from extended spring training; assigned RHP Jose Rosario to Kane County from extended spring training; optioned RHP Eduardo Sanchez to Iowa.

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WP – Francisco Liriano (3-0) LP – Jeff Samardzija (2-6) Save – Mark Melancon (1)

For the second time this season Jeff Samardzija ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 finale. The Cubs lost their third straight one-run game, and each of the Cubs last four losses have been decided by one run … the Cubs are 6-12 this season in one-run games.

Jeff Samardzija put together another excellent outing against the Pirates and really did not make any mistakes over his seven innings of work. Samardzija surrendered just three hits but two came on consecutive pitches in the first inning that led to the only run in the game.

Andrew McCutchen reached on a two out double in the first inning and scored on a Garrett Jones single … that was it for the game. Samardzija allowed just one more hit, a walk and three total baserunners after the first inning.

Jeff Samardzija was hung with the loss after just a tremendous outing. Samardzija allowed one run on three hits with a walk, a wild pitch and eight strikeouts in seven innings. Samardzija threw 113 pitches, 73 for strikes.

The Cubs offense wasted their only scoring chance against Francisco Liriano when they loaded the bases with no outs in the third inning and came away empty. Starlin Castro (0-for-4 with a strikeout and four left on base) and Anthony Rizzo (0-for-4 with three strikeouts and four left on base) continued their struggles on Wednesday and could not deliver with the bags loaded in the third or with the tying run on base in the eighth. After going 39 at bats in between strikeouts, Anthony Rizzo has struck out eight times in his last 13 at bats.

Welington Castillo (2-for-4) tallied two of the Cubs four hits while Cody Ransom (1-for-3) and Darwin Barney (0-for-3 with a walk) also reached base.

The Cubs outhit their opponent in another one run loss (4-3) but managed only one walk while striking out 11 times. As a team, the Cubs were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

With Wednesday’s loss, the Cubs equaled a season-low nine games under .500 with a 18-27 record.

After the start of the game was delayed 11 minutes due to weather concerns, the Cubs went down in order on just eight pitches, seven for strikes. Jeff Samardzija started his night by striking out Starling Marte and retiring Travis Snider on a grounder to short. Samardzija fell behind Andrew McCutchen before McCutchen pulled 3-2 pitch into the left field corner for a double. Garrett Jones pulled Samardzija’s first into right center, McCutchen scored and the Pirates took a 1-0 lead. Samardzija retired Neil Walker on a grounder to first to end the inning.

The Pirates managed only one more hit and three more baserunners off Samardzija for the remainder of his outing.

The Cubs only scoring chance against Francisco Liriano came in the third inning. Liriano needed only 16 pitches, 13 for strikes, to retire the first six batters he faced. Cody Ransom led off the third with the Cubs’ first hit, a single to left center. Darwin Barney walked and put two on with no outs for Jeff Samardzija.

Samardzija tried to bunt Ransom and Barney up ninety feet. Samardzija got the bunt down. Liriano fielded the ball and threw low to first base. Garrett Jones could not stay on the bag and the Cubs loaded the bases with no outs.

Julio Borbon pulled a 1-0 pitch toward first. Jones fielded the ball and threw to Martin to force Ransom at the plate. Liriano then struck out Starlin Castro swinging (2-2 pitch) and Anthony Rizzo flied out to right to end the inning.

Jeff Samardzija and Francisco Liriano put on quite a pitching clinic on Wednesday night. Samardzija kept the Pirates off the board while Liriano mesmerized the Cubs.

The Cubs put the tying run in scoring position in both the eighth and ninth innings and could not buy a clutch hit.

The Cubs managed just two hits and a walk over the first seven innings against Francisco Liriano. Lefty Tony Watson took over in the eighth and Julio Borbon reached on a bunt single with one out. Borbon bunted the ball past the mound, Watson fielded the ball and tossed to Walker covering first. Borbon dove headfirst into the bag and was called safe. Starlin Castro popped a 3-2 pitch into right field for the second out.

With Rizzo at the dish, Borbon stole second but Anthony Rizzo did a perfect Kosuke Fukudome impersonation and just about screwed himself into the ground as he struck out swinging on a 2-2 pitch to end the inning.

Carlos Villanueva made his first relief appearance of the season in the eighth. Villanueva kept the Pirates from tacking on and the game went to the ninth with the Cubs down by one.

Jason Grilli was not available after the 30-plus ninth inning on Tuesday night, so Mark Melancon, who has owned the Cubs during his career, was given a chance to pick up his first save of the season. The Cubs appeared to catch a break when Alfonso Soriano chased a 2-2 pitch in the dirt that got away from Russell Martin. Soriano reached first on the wild pitch to start the ninth. Nate Schierholtz hit for Hairston and hit a little humpback liner toward third (3-1 pitch). Alvarez picked up the ball on the first bounce and threw out Soriano at second. Schierholtz took over and first and advanced to second on a single to center by Welington Castillo. Ryan Sweeney hit for Ransom and lined out to second.

With runners on first and second with two down, Darwin Barney popped a 2-2 pitch into shallow right that Walker hauled in to end the game.

• Box Score from Yahoo Sports
• PBP from Yahoo Sports

Edwin Jackson faces Jeanmar Gomez in the series finale on Thursday morning (11:35am CDT).

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