Underwood stays grounded for Pelicans

Tuesday seemed like just another day at the office for Duane Underwood.

The Cubs' No. 6 prospect gave up two hits over seven innings as Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach defeated Winston-Salem, 6-0.

Underwood, who faced two batters over the minimum, struck out four while issuing one walk. The 20-year-old right-hander did a terrific job of keeping the ball on the ground, getting 12 ground-ball outs and only two flyouts.

"I was just able to throw all my pitches for strikes and get some early contact," said Underwood, who estimated he threw close to 90 pitches. "I was able to have a couple of big strikeouts and have some good 'D' behind. Overall, just a good game."

Underwood snapped a two-game losing streak, improving to 6-2. The North Carolina native's brief skid included his worst start of the year, giving up four runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings on June 5 against Carolina.

Skids are relative, though, for a player who has posted a 1.85 ERA and limited Carolina League hitters to a .192 average.

"It's definitely been a good year for me," he said. "I've put a lot of hard work in and everything is coming together. I still have a lot more work to do; I'm still working on some things. I've been able to go out there and put a good effort for my teammates and rack up some wins. I can't complain."

Consistency has been a hallmark of Underwood's season. He has only allowed more than three runs in a game once thus far.

"The overall work and the mentality I've been able to bring," he deemed as the keys to his success. "I try to stay focused for however long I'm out there. Pitch by pitch, if I can win that pitch, I can win the next pitch. That's been the biggest thing, just being in the moment basically."

After throwing a career-high 100 2/3 innings with Class A Kane County, Underwood is on pace to push past that, with a current total of 63 1/3 innings for the Pelicans. The 2012 second-rounder is thrilled to be on the mound so much.

"I'm excited," Underwood said. "I'm glad I've put myself in a position and I'm excited for how many innings I get to throw."

Jacob Rogers went 3-for-4 with a homer and two runs scored, falling a triple shy of the cycle.

"He's an older guy and he knows one or two things that he can take advantage of," Underwood said. "He's a great teammate. He's a real leader in the clubhouse and a force at the plate."

Michael Heesch gave up one hit and struck out two over the final two innings for the Pelicans.

Matt Heidenreich fell to 8-2, surrendering four runs -- three earned -- on 10 hits while fanning eight over six innings for the Dash.