Balego powers Cubs into AZL semifinals
As professional debuts go, Cam Balego enjoyed a solid season in the Rookie-level Arizona League.His first exposure to playoff baseball went even better.
As professional debuts go,
His first exposure to playoff baseball went even better.
Balego homered, doubled and drove in two runs on Sunday night to lead the Cubs to a 9-6 win over the Brewers in the Arizona League playoff opener at Maryvale Baseball Park.
Box score
The 22-year-old kicked off the scoring with a two-run shot to left field in the second inning. It was his second homer as a pro after he went deep once in 98 at-bats during the regular season. He doubled to left leading off the fourth and scored on
"It was really special to give our team the lead and get the momentum going in our direction early," said the 30th-round pick in this year's Draft. "The first few guys up before me had some really good at-bats. Our hitters were grinding and making it tough on [Brewers starter
"I got ahead in the count and was up there looking to put some positive contact on the baseball."
A corner infielder, Balego batted .286/.385/.449 with 14 extra-base hits and nine RBIs in 36 games during his professional debut in Arizona.
"This first year has been great," the Mercyhurst University product said. "I had a bunch of emotions running through my head on Draft day and when I got the call from [Cubs area scout Daniel Carte]. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew I was in good hands with this organization. The positive atmosphere coming from everyone from [president of baseball operations Theo Epstein] on down makes you feel like you've been here forever.
"I couldn't imagine being anywhere else than with the Cubs. The players I've met and played with already are like family to me. It's awesome."
Complete playoff coverage
The Brewers'
The Cubs will meet the Dodgers in the semifinals on Monday night at Camelback Ranch.
In other playoff action:
AZL Rangers 4, AZL Mariners 3
Michael Avallone is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @MavalloneMiLB.