Cubs AFL News: Long crushes his third homer, Kipp impressive in five innings |
For the second night in a row, it was a lighter load for the Cubs and their prospects, as only two of their seven guys saw action on the field. Jonathon Long was back in the lineup for the Mesa Solar Sox when they took on the Scottsdale Scorpions and immediately delivered as the Solar Sox were backed by a strong pitching performance across the board to pick up the win 4-1.
Grant Kipp got the ball for the Solar Sox, and it only took him three starts to deliver what some would call an Ace-caliber start. Kipp has shown the ability to be a reliable pitcher over the past two seasons. Still, his inability to be consistent has been an issue during his time with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the South Bend Cubs. You have seen that again in the Arizona Fall League as Kipp has come out and delivered strong starts but has also had those outings that leave you wanting more. Thursday was about as good as the Solar Sox could've asked him to be, as he not only set the tone on the mound but was nearly untouchable. Kipp gave the Solar Sox three shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five. He did walk one, but with an ERA sitting at 2.00 for the season, you can see the work he continues to put forth every time he steps on the mound. If these are the types of outings Kipp can give the Cubs every time out, Chicago will have another young arm to build around for years to come. Now the question becomes whether or not he can continue to build off this long-term or if this is a once-in-a-while type of start. While Kipp's starting pitching and the pitching of the rest of the Cubs prospects are often hit or miss, the Solar Sox can count on consistent production from a pair of Cubs-hitting prospects. Long is one of those two prospects, as this team tends to win when he is in the lineup. Not only did Long pick up another hit to raise his average to .316 on the season, but he also added a walk as he continues to find ways on base. Long also ranks near the top of the entire AFL with 12 RBIs and is near the top in homers with three homers. He hit connect for his third homer of the season in this one as an eighth-inning solo shot was his only hit of the game and helped pave the way for another Solar Sox win 4-1.
