Quick Hits: Early Runs Help Cubs Dump Sox 6-5

Josmil Pinto extended his hitting streak to six games with a two-run triple in yesterday’s 6-5 loss to Iowa. (Bobby Stevens/MiLB.com)

The Sky Sox have this terrible habit of giving up runs over the first three innings of a game. Entering play Wednesday, Colorado Springs had been out scored 140-to-84 over the first three innings, including 60-to-32 in the FIRST INNING. Unfortunately, the trend continued with the Cubs scoring four runs in innings 1-3 en route to their 6-5 win in the matinee. John Andreoli ambushed Hiram Burgos and hit a leadoff triple on the first pitch of the game and Willson Contreras followed with an RBI single which not only gave Iowa the 1-0 lead two batters into the game, but extended the catcher’s hitting streak to 20 games. Former Sky Sox Matt Murton gave the Cubs a crooked number with a sac-fly two batters later.

The Sky Sox were held hitless over the first 3 2/3 innings before Michael Reed and Yadiel Rivera connected for back-to-back singles in the fourth, the latter of which brought in the first run for the Sox. Trailing 4-1 in the fourth, Josmil Pinto stepped in with a pair on base and two outs and delivered a two-run triple, which pulled Colorado Springs to within one. The two teams each placed another pair on the board in the 7th, but Iowa held on for the one-run victory. Rob Zastryzny took home the win, while Hiram Burgos was hung with the loss.

FULL RECAP HERE

Hitting Notes –

The Sox managed five runs on eight hits making it just twice in the last 12 games that they have broken into double figures in the hit column.

Jake Elmore was bumped up to the top spot in the lineup and didn’t disappoint and he picked up a pair of hits, a pair of runs, and a pair of walks. He reached base a team-high four times in the loss. It was also his 29th birthday, happy birthday Jake!

Yadiel Rivera had the other multi-hit game for the Sky Sox as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI single and a walk. Rivera started at third base and upped his average to .248 with the two knocks.

Josmil Pinto collected a hit in his sixth straight game with a two-run triple in the fifth inning. It marked the first triple for the catcher since August 11, 2014 when he hit a three-bagger for the Rochester Red Wings (Twins top-affiliate) against the Durham Bulls. He now has 15 career triples.

Orlando Arcia was on base three times with a double, and two walks, he also scored two of the Sox’s 5 runs.

Michael Reed and Eric Young, Jr. each picked up a lone hit and Will Middlebrooks pinch hit and drove in a run with a sac fly, his third of the series.

Pitching Notes –

Hiram Burgos was skipped in his last start as part of the mid-season protocol established by the Brewers, so he was well-rested and refreshed entering the day game. That feeling wasn’t allowed to stick around much past warmups as the Cubs picked up four runs over the first three innings against the righty. Burgos settled in and battled through five innings, but was stuck with the loss after allowing 4 runs on 12 hits, and 1 walk. (Note: Each starter went five innings, but neither recorded a strikeout, a true oddity) The righty threw 74 pitches, 47 for strikes.

Tim Dillard allowed the other two runs in 1 2/3 innings on the mound. He gave up a pair of hits, walked one and picked up the first strikeout of the game to wrap up the 6th inning.

Michael Kirkman was called upon to get Logan Watkins in the seventh, but couldn’t do it as the lefty hitter tagged the lefty pitcher for an RBI single. Kirkman did end the inning on the mound.

Drew Gagnon went two scoreless to close it out and kept it a one-run game despite walking three Cubs.

Play of the Game –

I tell you what. Despite the early runs, this team never gets down and out and they never bring their offensive woes back onto the field with them in the next half inning. That is apparent in every Sky Sox player, but Orlando Arcia in particular. He started not one, but two double plays with a glove flip in the game yesterday, below is the second, ENJOY!

Pregame Interview with I-Cubs Infielder Logan Watkins –

(Editor’s Note: Watkins has seven hits in the series and is NOT allowed back on the pregame show…EVER…)