Smokies' Black tosses six no-hit frames

Right-hander Corey Black, the Cubs' No. 16 prospect, threw six hitless innings Wednesday as Double-A Tennessee defeated Birmingham, 9-1.

In his first win in Double-A, Black struck out eight batters and allowed three walks in six innings. He threw 91 pitches before being relieved by P.J. Francescon to start the seventh inning.

The Smokies' no-hit bid ended soon after Francescon took over. The second batter of the seventh inning, right fielder Josh Richmond, broke it up with a single. Though Birmingham would scratch out another hit and a run in the eighth inning, Francescon completed the final three innings to earn a save.

Black has pitched well since the Cubs acquired him from the Yankees in exchange for Alfonso Soriano last July. In 42 innings in nine games with his new organization, Black has a 2.79 ERA and a 44-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio.