Cubs MiLB Midweek Report: Pérez Powers Iowa, Hearn Lifts Smokies, Pelicans Split

At a Glance

• Iowa Cubs: 2-0 vs. Omaha, record 66-66

• Knoxville Smokies: Split 1-1 vs. Rocket City, record 61-65

• South Bend Cubs: Down 0-1 vs. Wisconsin, second game suspended (trail 2-1, B4), record 53-73

• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Split 1-1 vs. Columbia, record 67-58

Iowa Cubs vs. Omaha

Iowa opened September by dominating the Storm Chasers. On September 2, the Cubs erupted for nine runs in the fourth inning, leading to a 12-0 rout. Carlos Pérez headlined with two home runs and five RBIs, while Austin Gomber and three relievers combined for a two-hit shutout.

The next day was tighter, but Iowa still found a way to come out on top. After Omaha tied the game late, James Triantos came through with an RBI single in the eighth, giving the Cubs a 4-3 win and a 2-0 series edge. The victories nudged Iowa back to the .500 mark and kept their late-season momentum alive.

Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City

Tuesday night turned into frustration for Knoxville, who managed only four hits in a 1-0 loss. A lone RBI double was all Rocket City needed to edge past the Smokies, spoiling a solid start from Tommy Romero.

The Smokies answered back on Wednesday. After seven innings ended tied 1-1, Knoxville exploded for four runs in the eighth. Ethan Hearn provided the decisive swing, delivering the game-winner in a 5-4 victory. The Smokies evened the series and snapped back from their offensive slump at the right time.

South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin

South Bend’s margin for error is gone, and Tuesday’s 6-3 loss to Wisconsin made things even tougher. Despite five scoreless innings from starter Dawson Netz and RBIs from the Hernandez brothers, the bullpen faltered late. A two-run double by Andrew Fischer in the seventh proved the backbreaker, and Beloit’s win elsewhere pushed South Bend to the brink of elimination.

On Wednesday, the Cubs never got the chance to respond. Rain washed out play in the bottom of the fourth with Wisconsin leading 2-1. The suspended game will resume Thursday at 5:35 PM ET before the regularly scheduled contest.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans vs. Columbia

The Pelicans saw plenty of fireworks in this two-game stretch. On Tuesday, Angel Cepeda and Alexey Lumpuy homered, but the Fireflies outlasted Myrtle Beach 11-8 with a string of late runs.

The script flipped Wednesday. Myrtle Beach struck for five runs in the third inning, powered by Christian Olivo’s triple and timely hits from Ty Southisene and Lumpuy. A wild pitch added more cushion, and the bullpen coasted to a 9-1 win that evened the set.

Final Thoughts

Four affiliates, four very different storylines -- Iowa’s surge, Knoxville’s resilience, South Bend’s stalled push, and Myrtle Beach’s split. Which club’s late-inning drama stood out most to you?

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