EXST Cubs Pitchers Throw Two-hitter at Fitch

Five Cubs pitchers combined to throw a two-hitter and Gian Guzman drove in three runs, as the EXST Cubs defeated the EXST Giants 5-1 at Fitch Park Field #3 this morning in Mesa.  

Tennessee RHP Grant Johnson, at EXST rehabbing from a sprained elbow ligament that was diagnosed midway through Minor League Camp last month, finally got into some game action and worked a 1-2-3 1st inning, striking out the side.

Fellow Smokie RHP Jim Henderson, who is also on the Tennessee DL, worked the next two innings, and allowed a solo HR and a two-out walk in the 3rd. Both pitchers appear to be on the fast track to get out of Fitch and back to AA ASAP.  

LHP,Arik Hempy, RHP Rogelio Carmona, and LHP Jeffry Antigua followed the two Smokies, each throwing two shutout innings. The 17-year old Antigua was especially impressive, as the southpaw struck out the side on ten pitches in the top of the 9th.

On offense, Gian Guzman drove in single runs in the 4th, 6th, and 8th with three RBI singles, and Kevin Soto reached base twice, stealing a base each time, and scoring each time. 
  
On the injury rehab front, RHP Angel Guzman, who underwent Tommy John elbow ligament transplant surgery last September, says his rehab is “ahead of schedule” and he is throwing “pain-free.” While he is still limited to side (bullpen) sessions only at this point, a third party who has seen him throw says his velocity is outstanding. While Gooz might not be ready for game action just yet, it’s nice to know that the Cubs might possibly have another power arm available in the bullpen for the stretch run.  

And the Venezuelan contingent at EXST welcomed some new blood today, as SS George Matheus, RHP Israel Camacaro, and OF Cesar Salazar reported to Fitch Park. The trio had been working out at the Cubs Venezuelan Baseball Academy in Puerto Cabello prior to leaving for the U. S., so they should be ready for game action in fairly short order. 

The 19-year old Matheus played for the VSL Cubs/Twins co-op club in 2007 after signing in May, while Salazar and Camacaro signed with the Cubs a couple of months ago. 

Here is the abridged box score from today’s game (Cubs players only):

LINEUP:
1. Kevin Soto, LF: 1-2 (Ks, HBP + SB + R, 1-4 SH, 1B + SB + R)
2. Gian Guzman, 3B: 3-4 (5-3, 1B-RBI, 1B-RBI + CS, 1B-RBI + SB)
3. Nelson Perez, RF: 0-4 (4-3, Ks, F-8, Ks)
4. Carlos Perez, C: 0-3 (5-3, 6-3, Kc, F-9 SF-RBI)
5. Andres Quezada, CF 2-4 (5-3, 2B + R, 1B, 4-3) 
6. Luis Bautista, 1B: 2-3 (5-3, 1B, 1B) 
7. Dwayne Kemp, DH #1: 0-1 (5-3, F-9 SF-RBI, BB) 
8. Roberto Sabates, DH #2: 1-3 (1B, 5-4 FC, 5-2 FC) 
9. Junior Lake, SS: 0-3 (5-4 FC, Ks, P-4)
10a. Starlin Castro, 2B: 0-1 (3-U)    
10b. Jose Made, 2B: 2-2 (1B + R, 1B + R) 

PITCHERS:
1. Grant Johnson – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (16 pitches – 11 strikes)
2. Jim Henderson – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR (4/1 GB/FB)
3. Arik Hempy – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K (5/0 GB/FB)
4. Rogelio Carmona  - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
5. Jeffry Antigua – 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 1 GIDP

DEFENSE: No errors! (not a misprint)

BASERUNNING ADVENTURES: Gian Guzman was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double with no outs in the bottom of the 4th, and then was thrown out trying to steal 2nd base with two outs in the bottom of the 6th.

WEATHER: Warm & sunny
ATTENDANCE: Four