Guzman excels in 2006 debut, and Pie and Patterson continue to hit (and steal).

Iowa won 7-1. Angel Guzman was solid in his season debut, throwing 5 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 6. Starting Guzman today allows the Cubs the option of having him start for the big league club when it needs a 5th starter for the first time on April 15. However, with Jerome Williams' 2 shutout innings tonight against the Cardinals, Williams certainly secured that spot. Felix Pie hit 2 triples and stole a base and Michael Restovich homered. If Pie keeps hitting like this, the Cubs are going to be reluctant to enter talks with Juan Pierre for an extension.

West Tenn won 3-0. David Cash (5 innings), Thomas Atlee (2), and Clay Rapada (2) combined on the shutout. Cash only allowed 1 hit and 2 walks, striking out 6. Eric Patterson tripled, had 2 walks, and stole 3 bases. Micah Hoffpauir also tripled.

Daytona lost 7-4. Mark Holliman struck out 7 in 5 innings, allowing just 1 run, but the bullpen gave up 6 runs. Catcher Jake Fox went 4-5.

Peoria won 2-1. Shortstop Dylan Johnston went 2-3 and scored both of the Chiefs' runs. Lefthanded starting pitcher Jesus Yepez threw 6 innings of 1-run ball and Michael Phelps and Edward Campusano shut down Wisconsin over the final 3 innings.