Pro baseball notebook: Palmyra’s Kroeger getting batters out in debut at Single-A level

Palmyra product Jacob Kroeger didn't allow a run until his third outing after making his professional debut with the Augusta GreenJackets in the Single-A Carolina League. | Matt Schuckman photo

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Jacob Kroeger’s start to a professional baseball career has been promising. The Palmyra, Mo., product and former Maryville University All-American hurler was drafted in the 10th round of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, signed a contract and was assigned to the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets of the Carolina League. It took…

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Former QU pitcher earns save in Triple-A Iowa Cubs’ first victory of season

Former Quincy University pitcher Riley Martin earned the save in the Triple-A Iowa Cubs' 2-0 victory Sunday over the Omaha Storm Chasers. | Submitted photo

OMAHA, Neb. — Riley Martin did exactly what is expected of any late-game reliever. He put the past behind him. Saddled with the loss due to unfortunate circumstances in the Iowa Cubs’ season opener Friday night, the former Quincy University All-American left-hander retired the final three batters Sunday to earn the save in a 2-0…

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Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Marquee Sports Network digital reporter Andy Martinez discusses Riley Martin’s chances, Cubs bullpen

QUINCY — Andy Martinez has gone from a cub reporter as a student at Quincy University to a Cubs reporter producing digital content for the Marquee Sports Network. The Chicago native is a 2015 graduate of QU who returned to the Windy City after a stint working at the Quincy Herald-Whig. He landed a job…

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Former QU southpaw Martin gets call up to Triple-A Iowa, while Croes, Logsdon get pro careers off to strong starts

Former Quincy University left-hander Riley Martin was called up to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs on Tuesday after an impressive first two months with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The number of former Quincy University baseball players pursuing professional playing careers more than doubled in the last month. One of the Hawks chasing their big-league dream moved a step closer to that reality Tuesday. Left-handed reliever Riley Martin was promoted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs after a sterling first two months coming…

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Martin confident more complete arsenal of pitches will lead to rise through Cubs organization

Former Quincy University All-American left-hander Riley Martin, shown here throwing a pitch last season for the South Bend Cubs, is beginning this season with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. | Submitted photo

KODAK, Tenn. — To get to where he sees himself going, Riley Martin understands the importance of having another pitch in his arsenal. More specifically, the left-handed hurler needed a pitch to befuddle left-handed hitters. So this spring, the former Quincy University All-American pitcher and current member of the Chicago Cubs organization took advantage of…

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Schuck on a Truck: Cubs pitching prospect Riley Martin discusses spring training and his progress

QUINCY — Riley Martin admits it’s been a short offseason, but that hasn’t diminished his readiness for spring training. “I feel like I’ve put in some good work this offseason,” he said. “I’m excited to get back and get started.” The former Quincy University left-handed All-American hurler will head to Mesa, Ariz., next week to…

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Minor league report: Martin earns Carolina League Pitcher of the Week

Myrtle Beach Pelicans left-hander Riley Martin, a former Quincy University All-American, struck out 17 in two relief appearances last week. Photo courtesy Stephanie Lynn

QUINCY — Riley Martin’s effort out of the bullpen for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans is getting noticed. It has fans of the Chicago Cubs organization wondering loudly on social media when the former Quincy University All-American left-hander will get called up to either High-A South Bend or Class AA Tennessee. Martin was named the Carolina…

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Minor league report: Ray earns first victory with Cannon Ballers, while Martin piles up strikeouts

Former Quincy Notre Dame multi-sport athlete Johnny Ray earned his first victory with the Class Kannapolis Cannon Ballers last week, striking out seven over five innings in a 5-1 victory against the Down East Wood Ducks in the Carolina League. Photo courtesy MiLB Photographer Tiffany Wintz

QUINCY — A trio of minor league pitchers with Quincy ties enjoyed a stellar week as the season is starting to find some rhythm. In the Class A Carolina League, Quincy Notre Dame graduate Johnny Ray made his first start last Saturday night and earned his first victory for the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, an affiliate…

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