Chiefs' Soler records first four-hit game

Six games into his Chiefs' career, Jorge Soler is proving to be a quick study.

The Cubs prospect went 4-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored, falling a triple shy of the cycle, as Class A Peoria routed Wisconsin, 9-2, on Saturday night.

After singling and stealing second base in the second inning, Soler got another base hit in the fourth. He homered leading off the sixth and doubled home another run in the seventh. Soler ended his night by grounding out to third base.

"He had a plan at the plate and made a good adjustment," Chiefs hitting coach Barbaro Garbey said. "He used the whole field today, he was very good. He hit the fastball away, the breaking ball in and the breaking ball away for a homer. He showed he's the type of guy who is going to be a quality hitter and uses the whole field."

After signing with the Cubs on June 11, the Cuban outfielder made his professional debut in the Rookie-level the Arizona League and batted .241 with two homers and 10 RBis in 14 games. In six Midwest League games, he's hitting .391 with two homers and eight RBIs.

"The best thing he's been doing is that he's been paying attention to the pitcher and how they are pitching to him," Garbey said. "And his pitch selection has been good, and that will help him a lot. He shows great discipline at the plate and great patience, and that's why he's been successful.

"He will move up a little faster than expected if he continues to have a good pitch selection and the same approach he's been showing at the plate and using the whole field. That's the most important thing."

For a 20-year-old from a foreign country who signed a multi-million dollar deal, acclimating to life in the Minor Leagues can be daunting. Not so for Soler, according to Garbey.

"In Cuba, it's a different game like we all know," the Cuban-born former Major Leaguer said. "It's a different game from college to pro level and from Cuba, it's very different. So he has to learn the way the organization wants him to play.

"He looks at everybody as a teammate and everyone feels comfortable with him. He's adjusting well with how you're supposed to be in the clubhouse. He's a young guy who is going to get along with everyone with the way he conducts himself in the clubhouse and in the field."

Jacob Rogers had two hits and drove in two runs for the Chiefs, who also got a pair of RBIs from Timothy Saunders.

Peoria starter Michael Jensen earned his 10th win after striking out seven and allowing two runs -- one earned -- on three hits over five innings.