Game Notes for Thursday, April 17

TODAY'S GAME: The Iowa Cubs and New Orleans Zephyrs play game three of a four-game series. The Zephyrs are the Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Miami Marlins. This is the third game of an eight-game home stand. The Round Rock Express will follow the Zephyrs into town for a four-game series starting on Saturday.

A-LIST HITTER: 2B Arismendy Alcantara had a season-high three hits, including a double and a triple, two RBI, and two runs scored to lead the Cubs to a 6-3 win over the Zephyrs yesterday afternoon. Alcantara's three hits matched the team-high. He leads the team and is tied for third in the league with six doubles for the year. Alcantara has hit safely in six of his last seven games and has hit safely in 10 of his 11 starts for the year. The Cubs matched their season-high for runs in a game and set a new season-high with 11 hits.

ELEMENTARY MY DEAR WATKINS: The wind was blowing out with gusts up to 34 mph, but yesterday's game featured just one home run. IF Logan Watkins lined a solo shot over the wall in centerfield in the second inning for his first home run since June 29, last year at Omaha. Watkins swas 0-for-13 through his first six games of the year, but now has hit in each of his last four games, going 4-for-12 with four runs scored and three RBI.

THE HENDRICKS EXPERIENCE: RH Kyle Hendricks posted his second straight quality start and earned his second straight win yesterday. He allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings, walked one, and struck out a season-high nine. Hendricks ranks third in the league with 18.2 innings pitched and 19 strikeouts through three starts. Hendricks caught Matt Angle looking to begin the ballgame for his 300th career strikeout. Hendricks is now 5-1 in seven career starts at Principal Park.

HERE HE COMES TO SAVE THE DAY: RH Brian Schlitter pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save of the season yesterday. It was the 34th save of his Iowa career, moving him into a tie with Michael Wuertz and Jim Bullinger for second on Iowa's career saves list. Blake Parker is the all-time leader with 42, including one earlier this season before getting called up by Chicago. Marcos Mateo has also earned a save for Iowa this year.

VS. ZEPHYRS: This series is tied 1-1. These two clubs are scheduled to meet 16 times this season. The Zephyrs will return to Principal Park for another four-game series, July 21-24. The Cubs will visit Zephyr Field in Metairie, May 6-9 and July 29-August 1. Last year, the Zephyrs won the season series 11-5, including five of eight at Principal Park.The Zephyrs have won the season series and the series at Principal Park in each of the last two seasons. The Zephyrs lead the all-time series 111-109, but the Cubs hold a 65-51 all-time mark at home.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: The Cubs are 5-0 in day games this season, including three midweek noon starts.

NO BULL FROM PEN: After allowing 14 runs (13 earned) in 13.2 innings over the first three games of the season, the Cubs bullpen has settled in. Over the last nine games, the relievers have allowed just six runs in 29.2 innings for a 1.82 ERA and allowed just three walks while recording 30 strikeouts.

ROSSCUP RECALLED: The Chicago Cubs recalled Zac Rosscup for game two of their split double-header in New York against the Yankees last night. Rosscup pitched the final 1.2 innings of the nightcap. He didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one. Rosscup was designated as the team's 26th man for the twin bill.

INJURY REPORT: Following yesterday's game, the Cubs placed OF Brett Jackson on the disabled list with a mild strain in his right oblique. Jackson is batting .121 (4-for-33) with a triple, a home run, two RBI, and 17 strikeouts in 11 games this season. LH Jonathan Sanchez went on the disabled list on April 10 with a left shoulder strain. The Cubs placed SS Javy Baez on the DL on April 11 with a left ankle strain.

GET YOUR MOTA RUNNIN': INF Jonathan Mota joins the I-Cubs today from double-A Tennessee. Mota is 2-for-19 with two RBI in six games with the Smokies this season. Mota hit .276 (83-for-301) with 15 doubles, seven home runs, and 40 RBI in a career-high 109 games last year with Tennessee. He spent time with Iowa from 2010-12 and has hit .283 (71-for-251) with seven homers and 38 RBI in 95 career games with the I-Cubs.