Sims among top prospect performers Friday

Another day, another monstrous offensive performance for Eloy Jimenez.

The Cubs’ No. 3 prospect was at it again on Friday night as he delivered the first grand slam of his career as well as a pair of doubles in what was his third four-hit game of the season. Jimenez ultimately fell a triple short of hitting for the cycle, finishing 4-for-5 with four runs scored and four RBIs to power Class A South Bend past Lake County, 11-7.

Jimenez, No. 33 on the Top 100, began his night with a leadoff double in the top of the second inning, and then he notched his second two-bagger of the contest in his next trip to the plate. The 19-year-old then belted a grand slam to left field in the fifth, his 12th home run of the season.

After picking up a single in the sixth inning, Jimenez needed a triple over the final three frames to complete his cycle. Instead, he struck out in his final at-bat.

After his big game on Friday, Jimenez is leading the Midwest League in OPS (.918), doubles (32), RBIs (68) and total bases (191), ranks second in average (.318) and hits (119) and is tied for third in home runs.

The rest of the best performances from top prospects Friday

• No. 8 overall prospect Brendan Rodgers (Rockies’ No. 1) could not have picked a better time to hit his 14th home run, as he connected on a go-ahead three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning to lead Class A Asheville past Columbia, 5-2. The 19-year-old shortstop finished the game 3-for-5 at the plate to lift his batting average to .280, and he’s now tallied 55 RBIs in 84 games for the Tourists.

• Blue Jays No. 4 prospect Jon Harris struggled in his debut for Class A Advanced Dunedin on July 23, when he allowed five earned runs on nine hits and four walks against Jupiter. Facing the Hammerheads for a second straight outing Friday, …

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