The second-half of the season starts with wins for three of the four full-season teams. Some pitching transactions today: The Cubs released LHP Conner Menez so that he could sign with the Nippon Ham Fighters of NPB. Right-hander Blake Whitney was promoted from Tennessee to Iowa. Left-hander Adam Laskey was promoted to South Bend from Myrtle Beach. South Bend LHP Riley Martin was sent to the Development List. Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs beat on the Louisville Bats (Reds), 9-3. It was only Wyatt Short’s third career start and it was the longest outing of his career. Short did very…