Travis Klosinski

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Triple-A: Iowa Strikes First And Finishes Late In 6-4 Win At Omaha Iowa put up four runs in the first inning and held on for a 6-4 win at Omaha. BJ Murray Jr., Owen Miller, and Kevin Alcantara opened the game with three straight singles, Chas McCormick followed with a two-run double, Owen Ayers drew a walk, and Jackson Cluff grounded out to score McCormick for a 4-0 lead. The Cubs added two more in the fourth. James Triantos and Austin Wynns singled, Justin Dean reached on a force out, and Murray lined a two-run single to center to make it 6-0. Murray finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Andrew Wantz gave Iowa five innings, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Evan Taylor followed with two innings, giving up three runs on four hits with three strikeouts, as Omaha cut the deficit to 6-4 on a run-scoring double and a two-run home run. Gavin Hollowell then struck out four over 1 1/3 innings without allowing a hit, and Jaxon Wiggins entered with a runner on first and no room for error. Wiggins got a ground ball that Owen Miller turned into a shortstop-to-first double play to end it and give Wiggins his first save. McCormick was the offensive standout with three hits, a double, and two RBI, and Miller added two hits. Iowa finished with 12 hits, three walks, and eight runners left on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K BJ Murray Jr., DH 5 1 2 2 0 1 Owen Miller, SS 5 1 2 0 0 0 Kevin Alcantara, RF 4 1 1 0 1 2 Chas McCormick, LF 5 1 3 2 0 0 Owen Ayers, 1B 3 0 1 0 2 1 James Triantos, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 0 Jackson Cluff, 3B 4 0 0 1 0 1 Austin Wynns, C 4 0 1 0 0 1 Justin Dean, CF 4 1 1 0 0 0 Totals 38 6 12 5 3 6 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Andrew Wantz (W, 5-1) 5 3 1 1 2 4 1 Evan Taylor 2 4 3 3 0 3 1 Gavin Hollowell (H, 3) 1 1/3 0 0 0 1 4 0 Jaxon Wiggins (S, 1) 2/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 9 7 4 4 3 11 2 Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: DNP Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: 2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, SV Owen Ayers: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K Kane Kepley: DNP Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 1-for-4, R Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: DNP Ariel Armas: DNP Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP With the minor-league calendar winding down, this may be my last recap of the year. Thank you for checking in on the Cubs' farm system all season long. We appreciate every one of you who read along. See you next season. View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Iowa Cubs Score All Three Runs In The Fourth To Beat Omaha Iowa won 3-2 at Omaha, and the Cubs scored all three of their runs in the fourth inning. Owen Ayers opened the frame with a double to left, and Kevin Alcántara followed with a line-drive single to right that moved Ayers to third. Chas McCormick then doubled to left to score both runners. After James Triantos grounded out, Jordan Nwogu lifted a sacrifice fly to left that brought McCormick home for the third run. Iowa did not put another runner in scoring position the rest of the night, and the Cubs finished with four hits, no walks, and one runner left on base. Connor Noland was the reason the lead held up. He did not allow a hit over five innings, walked two, and struck out six. Jordan Wicks followed with 2 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and two runs, both earned, with one walk and two strikeouts. Omaha got a solo home run in the sixth and pushed a run across in the eighth on a double-play ground ball that Ben Cowles started. Eduarniel Núñez recorded the last out of the eighth, walking one and striking out one over 1/3 of an inning, and Gabe Klobosits pitched a scoreless ninth with a strikeout for his fifth save. Ayers and McCormick each doubled, and Alcántara and Cowles had the other two Iowa hits. Iowa Cubs Notable Defense Iowa played the game without an error and turned two double plays. Jackson Cluff started the first of them, throwing to Kevin Alcántara, and Ben Cowles started the second in the eighth inning, throwing to Cluff and on to Alcántara, which held Omaha to one run in the frame. Justin Dean recorded four putouts on fly balls in center field. Iowa Cubs Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Owen Miller, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Ayers, C 4 1 1 0 0 0 Kevin Alcántara, 1B 4 1 1 0 0 1 Chas McCormick, LF 4 1 1 2 0 1 James Triantos, DH 3 0 0 0 0 0 Jordan Nwogu, RF 2 0 0 1 0 1 Ben Cowles, 2B 3 0 1 0 0 0 Jackson Cluff, SS 3 0 0 0 0 2 Justin Dean, CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 30 3 4 3 0 6 Iowa Cubs Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Connor Noland (W, 4-5) 5 0 0 0 2 6 0 Jordan Wicks (H, 1) 2 2/3 5 2 2 1 2 1 Eduarniel Núñez (H, 1) 1/3 0 0 0 1 1 0 Gabe Klobosits (S, 5) 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Totals 9 5 2 2 4 10 1 Knoxville Smokies Eliminated By Rocket City After Early Deficit Knoxville lost 13-3 to Rocket City, and the visitors built the lead across the third and fourth innings. Rocket City scored four times in the third. The inning began with a fielding error by shortstop Karson Simas, and the next four batters produced a double, a sacrifice fly, another double, a hit by pitch, and a two-run double, all of it charged to Brody McCullough. Rocket City added three more in the fourth on a solo home run, a two-run home run, and a walk in between, with two of those runs coming against Dawson Netz. The visitors then closed the scoring with four runs in the eighth against Jackson Brockett on three singles and a sacrifice fly. Kane Kepley was the best of the Knoxville bats. He doubled in the eighth and tripled in the ninth to drive in Simas, and he also walked and was hit by a pitch. Ariel Armas went 2-for-3 with a walk and singled home Josiah Hartshorn in the sixth. Andy Garriola doubled home Kepley in the eighth, and Simas had two hits and a walk. Knoxville drew five walks and left 10 runners on base. Brody McCullough allowed five runs, three earned, over 2 1/3 innings with no walks and six strikeouts. Dawson Netz gave up four runs over 1 2/3 innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Tyler Ras followed with two hitless, scoreless innings, allowing one walk and striking out two. Jackson Brockett gave up five hits and four runs in 1 1/3 innings. Frankie Scalzo Jr., Kevin Valdez, and Luis Rujano combined for the final 1 2/3 innings without a run. Knoxville Smokies Notable Defense Kane Kepley recorded four putouts in center field, including a sacrifice fly in the third, and he fielded two doubles and two singles hit his way. Alex Ramírez also recorded four putouts in right field, including a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Knoxville Smokies Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez, RF 5 0 1 0 0 2 Josiah Hartshorn, 1B 4 1 0 0 1 0 Kane Kepley, CF 3 1 2 1 1 1 Andy Garriola, DH 4 0 1 1 0 1 Ariel Armas, C 3 0 2 1 1 0 Carter Trice, LF 4 0 0 0 0 3 Alex Madera, 2B 3 0 1 0 1 1 Angel Cepeda, 3B 4 0 0 0 0 2 Karson Simas, SS 3 1 2 0 1 1 Totals 33 3 9 3 5 11 Knoxville Smokies Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Brody McCullough (L, 0-1) 2 1/3 5 5 3 0 6 1 Dawson Netz 1 2/3 3 4 4 1 2 2 Tyler Ras 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 Jackson Brockett 1 1/3 5 4 4 1 1 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 1/3 0 0 0 1 0 0 Kevin Valdez 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 Luis Rujano 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Totals 9 14 13 10 4 13 3 Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4, BB, R Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Owen Ayers: 1-for-4, 2B, R Kane Kepley: 2-for-3, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB, HBP, R, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 0-for-3 Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: DNP Ariel Armas: 2-for-3, RBI, BB Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs activated RHP Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list. Chicago Cubs placed RHP Trent Thornton on the 15-day injured list. Left ankle sprain. Iowa Cubs: Six-Run Fourth Wiped Out By Six-Run Fifth In 9-7 Loss Iowa scored six runs in the fourth inning, gave all of them back in the fifth, and lost 9-7 to the Toledo Mud Hens. The Cubs led 1-0 after the second, and Toledo tied it in the third. The fourth was the big inning. Owen Ayers opened with a single, and Chas McCormick followed with a two-run home run, his 14th. Owen Miller reached on an error, James Triantos doubled for the 30th time this season, and Jordan Nwogu tripled to left to bring home both runners. Jackson Cluff walked, Justin Dean singled Nwogu home, and Kevin Alcántara singled Cluff in. Six runs crossed on six hits, and Iowa led 7-1. The fifth undid it. Luis Peralta walked the first man he faced, gave up a single, then surrendered a three-run home run. Two more singles and a walk loaded the bases, and Antoine Kelly came on. A groundout brought in a run, and a two-out double drove in two more to tie the game 7-7. Andrew Wantz started and went 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Doug Nikhazy struck out two over two scoreless innings. Tyler Ferguson gave up a two-run home run in the ninth, and that was the difference. Nwogu finished 2-for-4 with three runs batted in, McCormick and Dean each had two hits, and Triantos reached twice with a double and a walk. Iowa left eight men on base. Iowa Cubs Notable Defense Iowa played the game without an error. Kevin Alcántara performed a clean defensive pick. Iowa Cubs Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean, CF 5 0 2 1 0 2 Kevin Alcántara, 1B 5 0 1 1 0 2 Owen Ayers, C 3 1 1 0 2 2 Chas McCormick, RF 5 1 2 2 0 0 Owen Miller, 3B 5 1 1 0 0 0 James Triantos, 2B 4 2 1 0 1 1 Jordan Nwogu, LF 4 1 2 3 0 1 Ethan Hearn, DH 4 0 0 0 0 2 Jackson Cluff, SS 2 1 1 0 2 0 Iowa Cubs Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Andrew Wantz 3 1/3 3 1 1 4 3 1 Luis Peralta 1 4 5 5 1 1 1 Antoine Kelly 1 2/3 1 1 1 2 1 0 Doug Nikhazy 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 Tyler Ferguson 1 3 2 2 0 2 1 Knoxville Smokies: Late Birmingham Rally Ends A Tie Game, 5-2 Knoxville tied the game in the sixth inning, then gave up three runs in the eighth and lost 5-2 to the Birmingham Barons. Dawson Netz gave the Smokies a strong start, working 3 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on two hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Both runs came in the fourth, when a two-out walk, a double, and a two-run single put Birmingham ahead 2-0. Luis Martinez-Gomez followed with 3 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up one hit with three walks and five strikeouts. The offense answered in the sixth. Ariel Armas was hit by a pitch to open the inning, and Carter Trice tripled him home for his third triple of the year. Alex Madera walked, and Angel Cepeda tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center. Edgar Alvarez then reached on a fielder's choice with Madera thrown out at the plate, and Karson Simas flied out in foul ground to end the threat. Frankie Scalzo Jr. took over in the eighth and allowed a leadoff home run, a walk, and back-to-back singles before a force out brought in the fifth run. He finished with one inning, three runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Knoxville managed three hits, all of them by Trice and Cepeda. Trice was 2-for-3 with a triple, a double, a walk, and a run scored. The Smokies drew six walks, struck out ten times, and left nine men on base. Knoxville Smokies Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez, RF 5 0 0 0 0 1 Josiah Hartshorn, 1B 4 0 0 0 1 2 Kane Kepley, CF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Ariel Armas, C 2 1 0 0 1 1 Carter Trice, LF 3 1 2 1 1 1 Alex Madera, 2B 2 0 0 0 2 2 Angel Cepeda, 3B 3 0 1 1 0 0 Edgar Alvarez, DH 3 0 0 0 1 1 Karson Simas, SS 4 0 0 0 0 1 Knoxville Smokies Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Dawson Netz 3 2/3 2 2 2 1 6 0 Luis Martinez-Gomez 3 1/3 1 0 0 3 5 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 South Bend Cubs: No Game Scheduled South Bend did not play. No game was scheduled. Myrtle Beach Pelicans: No Game Scheduled Myrtle Beach did not play. No game was scheduled. Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Owen Ayers: 1-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K Kane Kepley: 0-for-4, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 1-for-4, 2B, BB, K Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: DNP Ariel Armas: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, K Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Iowa Cubs Held To Four Hits In Loss To Toledo The Iowa Cubs were held to four hits and lost 9-1 to the Toledo Mud Hens at Principal Park. Iowa's only run came in the fourth. Owen Miller opened the inning with a single to center, Owen Ayers followed with a single to right, and Chas McCormick was called out on strikes. Kevin Alcántara then grounded out to third, scoring Miller and moving Ayers to third. Ayers was stranded there when Greg Jones struck out. The game got away from Iowa in the eighth. Toledo opened with two singles and two walks, the second of which forced in a run. A double drove in another run, though two Toledo runners were thrown out at the plate on the same play, and a two-run home run followed to make it 9-1. Connor Noland started and took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits over four innings with one walk and three strikeouts, including one home run. Justin Steele gave up two runs on four hits over two innings with no walks and three strikeouts. Shelby Miller worked one scoreless inning with one hit and one strikeout. Jaxon Wiggins recorded two outs and allowed four runs on four hits and two walks. Grant Kipp followed with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk with three strikeouts. Miller, Ayers, McCormick, and Alcántara had Iowa's four hits, with McCormick's going for a double. Iowa drew four walks, struck out eight times, and left six runners on base. Iowa Cubs Notable Defense Iowa played the game without an error. Owen Ayers threw out two runners attempting to steal marking that number 38 and 39 on his season. Ayers was on the finish of the game's biggest defensive play, when Justin Dean caught a line drive in center and started a relay to Ben Cowles and then to Ayers that retired two Toledo runners at the plate in the eighth. Owen Miller and Ben Cowles each recorded two assists for good measure. Player AB R H RBI BB K James Triantos, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 0 Owen Miller, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 2 Owen Ayers, C 3 0 1 0 1 1 Chas McCormick, LF 3 0 1 0 1 1 Kevin Alcántara, RF 4 0 1 1 0 0 Greg Jones, DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 Ben Cowles, SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 Austin Wynns, 1B 2 0 0 0 1 0 Justin Dean, CF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 30 1 4 1 4 8 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Connor Noland (L, 3-5) 4 4 3 3 1 3 1 Justin Steele 2 4 2 2 0 3 0 Shelby Miller 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Jaxon Wiggins 2/3 4 4 4 2 0 1 Grant Kipp 1 1/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Totals 9 14 9 9 4 10 2 Brody McCullough And The Bullpen Carry Knoxville Past Birmingham The Knoxville Smokies beat the Birmingham Barons 4-1 at Regions Field, collecting 10 hits and getting eight scoreless innings from their first two pitchers. Knoxville broke through in the fifth. Alex Madera singled to center, moved to second on a groundout, and scored on Karson Simas's single to center. The seventh was the decisive inning. Edgar Alvarez, Ariel Armas, and Madera opened with three straight singles to load the bases with nobody out. Carter Trice struck out and Simas flied out to right in foul territory, but leadoff man Kane Kepley walked to force in Alvarez, and Alex Ramírez followed with a single to short that scored Armas. Madera was thrown out at the plate to end the inning with Knoxville ahead 3-0. Knoxville added a run in the ninth, when Madera walked, Carter Trice singled, and Ramírez singled to the catcher with two outs to bring Madera home. Brody McCullough started and worked five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. Jackson Brockett followed with three scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk while striking out four, and picked up a hold. Yenrri Rojas worked one inning, allowing one run on two hits and two walks with one strikeout. Ramírez went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a walk, and Madera went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Knoxville drew three walks, struck out seven times, and left eight runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley, CF 4 0 0 1 1 1 Alex Ramírez, DH 4 0 3 2 1 0 Andy Garriola, RF 5 0 0 0 0 1 Miguel Useche, 1B 4 0 1 0 0 0 Edgar Alvarez, 3B 4 1 1 0 0 2 Ariel Armas, C 4 1 1 0 0 1 Alex Madera, 2B 3 2 2 0 1 0 Carter Trice, LF 4 0 1 0 0 2 Karson Simas, SS 4 0 1 1 0 0 Totals 36 4 10 4 3 7 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Brody McCullough (W, 2-4) 5 3 0 0 3 7 0 Jackson Brockett (H, 2) 3 1 0 0 1 4 0 Yenrri Rojas 1 2 1 1 2 1 0 Totals 9 6 1 1 6 12 0 Knoxville Smokies Notable Defense Knoxville turned in an error-free game behind 12 strikeouts from the pitching staff. Alex Madera handled five assists at second base, including the final out of the game, and Ariel Armas threw out a runner attempting to steal. South Bend Cubs Strike Out 14 Times In Loss To Quad Cities The South Bend Cubs lost 3-1 to the Quad Cities River Bandits at Four Winds Field, managing five hits and striking out 14 times. Quad Cities scored on a double in the second and again on a double in the sixth to lead 2-0. South Bend answered in the seventh. Reginald Preciado singled to left to open the inning, and after Logan Poteet struck out, Caden Sorrell lined a single to left to bring Preciado home. Josiah Hartshorn grounded into a force out and Kade Snell flied out to left to end the inning with South Bend down 2-1. Quad Cities restored the two-run margin in the eighth, loading the bases on a single, a double, a fielder's choice that cut down a runner at the plate, and a walk, before a hit by pitch forced in a run. South Bend went down in order in the ninth. Nazier Mulé started and took the loss, allowing one run on two hits over three innings with two walks, one hit batter, and three strikeouts. Cole Reynolds gave up one run on two hits over 2 2/3 innings with one walk and three strikeouts. Yoendris Gonzalez worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and two walks with two strikeouts. Anhuar Garcia allowed one run on two hits over 1 2/3 innings with three walks and one strikeout. Adam Stone retired the only batter he faced. Preciado went 2-for-4 and Sorrell went 2-for-4 with the run batted in. Matt Halbach had the other South Bend hit. South Bend drew three walks, stole two bases, and left eight runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Josiah Hartshorn, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 0 Kade Snell, DH 4 0 0 0 0 3 Angel Cepeda, SS 3 0 0 0 1 2 Jose Escobar, LF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Matt Halbach, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 1 Alexey Lumpuy, RF 3 0 0 0 1 2 Reginald Preciado, 2B 4 1 2 0 0 1 Logan Poteet, C 3 0 0 0 0 2 Brennan Hudson, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 Caden Sorrell, CF 4 0 2 1 0 1 Totals 33 1 5 1 3 14 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Nazier Mulé (L, 0-1) 3 2 1 1 2 3 0 Cole Reynolds 2 2/3 2 1 1 1 3 0 Yoendris Gonzalez 1 1/3 1 0 0 2 2 0 Anhuar Garcia 1 2/3 2 1 1 3 1 0 Adam Stone 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 9 7 3 3 8 9 0 South Bend Cubs Notable Defense Logan Poteet threw out two runners attempting to steal and applied the tag at the plate in the eighth on Angel Cepeda's throw from shortstop, cutting down the lead runner with the bases loaded. Reginald Preciado recorded five assists at second base. Cepeda was charged with the only South Bend error. Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-3, BB Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: 2/3 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR Owen Ayers: 1-for-3, BB, K Kane Kepley: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: 2-for-4, RBI, K Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 0-for-3, BB Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K Jose Escobar: 0-for-4, K Ariel Armas: 1-for-4, R, K Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Alcántara Drives In Two As Iowa Drops A 7-3 Decision To Toledo Iowa scored in two of the last four innings but could not climb out of an early hole in a 7-3 loss to Toledo. Jordan Wicks allowed four runs on six hits over 3 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out five. Three of those runs came in the second inning, when two singles and a walk set up a three-run home run. Toledo added a run in the fourth on a double. Evan Taylor struck out the only batter he faced. Edward Cabrera allowed one run on two hits with a strikeout over two innings. Gavin Hollowell gave up a hit in a scoreless inning. Tyler Ferguson allowed two runs on three hits. Eduarniel Núñez walked one and struck out one in a scoreless inning. The Iowa offense finally answered in the sixth. Owen Miller opened the inning with a double, and Owen Ayers followed with an RBI double to left. Ayers moved to third on a wild pitch, and Kevin Alcántara singled him home to cut the deficit to 5-2. Iowa got one more in the eighth. Chas McCormick drew a walk, and Alcántara doubled him in for a 7-3 score. Alcántara finished 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Ayers went 2-for-4 with a double, a run, and an RBI. Jordan Nwogu had two hits, and Miller had a double and a walk. Iowa collected eight hits, three doubles, and no home runs, struck out seven times, and left seven runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K James Triantos, 2B 5 0 0 0 0 2 Owen Miller, 3B 3 1 1 0 1 1 Owen Ayers, C 4 1 2 1 0 0 Chas McCormick, CF 3 1 0 0 1 1 Kevin Alcántara, 1B 4 0 2 2 0 0 Jordan Nwogu, LF 4 0 2 0 0 0 Ben Cowles, SS 4 0 0 0 0 0 Ethan Hearn, DH 4 0 1 0 0 2 Justin Dean, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 35 3 8 3 2 7 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jordan Wicks (L, 2-11) 3 2/3 6 4 4 3 5 1 Evan Taylor 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 Edward Cabrera 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 Gavin Hollowell 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tyler Ferguson 1 3 2 2 0 0 0 Eduarniel Núñez 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 Totals 9 13 7 7 4 8 1 Notable Defense Owen Ayers threw out a runner trying to steal second base. Owen Miller stayed busy at third with a barehanded toss and a diving catch. Knoxville Ties It In The Eighth Before A Ninth-Inning Loss At Birmingham Knoxville tied the game in the eighth inning and then lost 4-3 in the ninth on an unearned run at Birmingham. Kevin Valdez allowed two runs on three hits over five innings, walking one and striking out four. Both runs came on solo home runs in the fourth. Jacob Wallace allowed one run on two hits over two innings, walking one and striking out one. Frankie Scalzo Jr. allowed one unearned run on two hits over 1 1/3 innings with a walk and took the loss. The Smokies scored first. Kane Kepley singled, advanced on a throwing error, and stole third. Andy Garriola then singled him home for a 1-0 lead. Knoxville pushed the lead to 2-0 in the fourth. Garriola singled, Ariel Armas and Alex Madera both walked to load the bases, and Garriola came home on a wild pitch. Birmingham answered with two solo home runs in the bottom of the inning and took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. The Smokies drew even in the eighth. Miguel Useche singled and was lifted for pinch runner Dom Krupinski, who moved to second on a groundout, stole third, and scored on Edgar Alvarez's sacrifice fly. Birmingham won it in the ninth on a single, a stolen base, a throwing error, and a wild pitch. Garriola finished 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Kepley, Useche, Alvarez, and Karson Simas each had a hit, and Madera drew two walks. Knoxville totaled six hits and no home runs, struck out 11 times, and left eight runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez, RF 4 0 0 0 1 1 Kane Kepley, CF 4 1 1 0 0 1 Miguel Useche, C 4 0 1 0 0 3 Dom Krupinski, PR 0 1 0 0 0 0 Colin Hynek, C 0 0 0 0 0 0 Andy Garriola, LF 4 1 2 1 0 1 Edgar Alvarez, 1B 3 0 1 1 0 0 Ariel Armas, DH 3 0 0 0 1 1 Alex Madera, 3B 2 0 0 0 2 2 Karson Simas, SS 4 0 1 0 0 2 Drew Bowser, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 31 3 6 2 4 11 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kevin Valdez 5 3 2 2 1 4 2 Jacob Wallace 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. (L, 4-2) 1 1/3 2 1 0 1 0 0 Totals 8 1/3 7 4 3 3 5 2 Notable Defense Knoxville turned a double play started by Alex Madera and finished by Drew Bowser and Edgar Alvarez. The Smokies were charged with one error, a throwing error in the ninth that moved the winning run to third base. South Bend's Day Off The South Bend Cubs did not play. Game 2 of the Western Division Championship Series is scheduled for tonight at 7:05 p.m. Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: DNP Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Owen Ayers: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI Kane Kepley: 1-for-4, 1 K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 0-for-5, 2 K Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: DNP Ariel Armas: 0-for-3, BB, 1 K Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Javier Assad from Iowa Cubs. Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Tyler Ferguson to Iowa Cubs. Iowa Cubs Fall In Columbus After Seven-Run Sixth Iowa lost 10-5 at Columbus, undone by one long inning after playing even for five. Chas McCormick had the best day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a home run, an RBI, and a hit by pitch. Justin Dean added two hits, a walk, and two runs scored, Owen Miller went 2-for-5 with an RBI, and Jordan Nwogu doubled and drove in a run off the bench. Iowa collected 10 hits and five walks, but stranded 10 runners. Andrew Wantz worked four innings, allowing three hits and one run, walking one, and striking out four. Gavin Hollowell followed with an inning, giving up two hits, two walks, and a run. Shelby Miller took the loss after recording two outs in the sixth, charged with four runs on two hits and two walks. Miller struck out the first and third batters he faced, then allowed a single, a walk, an RBI single, and a run-scoring walk that came with a wild pitch. Tyler Santana entered with two on and issued a walk that forced in a run, then served up a grand slam that pushed the deficit to 9-2. Santana finished 1 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, four runs, two walks, and two home runs. Doug Nikhazy closed with an inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Iowa answered in the ninth. Dean singled and Ben Cowles walked, Miller forced Cowles at second, and Owen Ayers lifted a sacrifice fly to score Dean. Nwogu doubled home Miller, and Kevin Alcantara singled in Nwogu to close the gap to 10-5. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ben Cowles 4 0 0 0 1 2 Owen Miller 5 1 2 1 0 0 Owen Ayers 4 0 0 1 0 1 Chas McCormick 3 1 3 1 0 0 Jordan Nwogu 1 1 1 1 0 0 Kevin Alcantara 4 0 1 1 1 1 Greg Jones 4 0 1 0 1 2 Jackson Cluff 3 0 0 0 1 1 Austin Wynns 3 0 0 0 0 0 Justin Dean 3 2 2 0 1 0 Totals 34 5 10 5 5 7 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Andrew Wantz 4 3 1 1 1 4 1 Gavin Hollowell 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 Shelby Miller 2/3 2 4 4 2 2 0 Tyler Santana 1 1/3 3 4 4 2 0 2 Doug Nikhazy 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 Knoxville Smokies Blank Chattanooga Behind Sixteen Strikeouts Knoxville won 4-0, holding Chattanooga to three hits and no runs. Dawson Netz was the story. He gave Knoxville five innings, allowing two hits and no runs, walking two, and striking out nine. Tyler Schlaffer matched him over the last four innings, allowing one hit and no runs, walking two, and striking out seven. The two combined for 16 strikeouts. Leadoff man Alex Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Miguel Useche added two hits, Kane Kepley singled, and Edgar Alvarez drew three walks. Knoxville totaled nine hits, two doubles, and four walks, and left eight runners on base. The Smokies broke through in the fourth. Alvarez walked, Carter Trice popped out, and Alex Madera singled Alvarez to second. After a fly out, Ramirez doubled to right field to score both runners for a 2-0 lead. Knoxville added two more in the eighth. Ariel Armas walked and stole second, Alvarez struck out, and Trice doubled to center field to bring Armas home. Trice then stole third and scored on a throwing error during the next at bat, which ended in a strikeout and closed the inning at 4-0. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramirez 4 0 3 2 0 0 Andy Garriola 4 0 0 0 0 2 Kane Kepley 3 0 1 0 0 0 Miguel Useche 4 0 2 0 0 1 Ariel Armas 3 1 1 0 1 0 Edgar Alvarez 1 1 0 0 3 1 Carter Trice 4 1 1 1 0 1 Alex Madera 4 1 1 0 0 1 Drew Bowser 4 0 0 0 0 2 Totals 31 4 9 3 4 8 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Dawson Netz 5 2 0 0 2 9 0 Tyler Schlaffer 4 1 0 0 2 7 0 South Bend Cubs Break Through With Three-Run Seventh South Bend beat Cedar Rapids 7-4, pulling away late after the lead had been trimmed to one. Alexey Lumpuy went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored. Angel Cepeda had two hits, a walk, and an RBI, Michael Gupton went 2-for-4 with a triple and scored a run, and Jose Escobar doubled and drove in two. South Bend finished with 11 hits and four walks, and left six runners on base. Dominick Reid started and gave the club four innings, allowing two hits and no runs without a walk while striking out four. Yoendris Gonzalez followed with an inning, allowing three hits and two runs. Pierce Coppola picked up the win over 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits, two runs, and a home run, and striking out two without a walk. JP Wheat recorded the final out for the save, striking out the only batter he faced. South Bend built the early lead in the third. Justin Stransky singled, Gupton popped out, Josiah Hartshorn walked, and Kade Snell singled to score Stransky. Cepeda then singled to left field to bring in Hartshorn for a 3-0 lead. The decisive inning came in the seventh with the lead down to 4-2. Gupton singled, Hartshorn struck out, and Snell and Cepeda walked to load the bases. Lumpuy walked to force in Gupton, Matt Halbach singled to center field to score Snell, and Escobar hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Cepeda and make it 7-2. Player AB R H RBI BB K Josiah Hartshorn 4 1 0 0 1 1 Kade Snell 3 1 1 1 1 1 Angel Cepeda 3 1 2 1 1 0 Alexey Lumpuy 3 2 2 1 1 0 Matt Halbach 4 0 1 1 0 3 Jose Escobar 3 0 1 2 0 1 Logan Poteet 4 0 1 1 0 1 Justin Stransky 4 1 1 0 0 0 Michael Gupton 4 1 2 0 0 1 Totals 32 7 11 7 4 8 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Dominick Reid 4 2 0 0 0 4 0 Yoendris Gonzalez 1 3 2 2 0 1 0 Pierce Coppola 3 2/3 7 2 2 0 2 1 JP Wheat 1/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 Notable Defense Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game Cancelled The Myrtle Beach Pelicans did not play. The game was cancelled. Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4, BB, K Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Owen Ayers: 0-for-4, RBI, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-3 Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, K Ariel Armas: 1-for-3, BB Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Hearn's Bases-Clearing Double Sends Iowa Past Columbus The Iowa Cubs scored all four of their runs over the seventh and eighth innings and beat the Columbus Clippers, 4-2. Iowa finished with eight hits and five walks, and left six runners on base. Starter Evan Taylor gave Iowa 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three. Jaxon Wiggins followed with 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and one walk with one strikeout. Jayden Murray worked two innings, allowed one hit and one walk, struck out three, and earned the win. Antoine Kelly struck out two and did not allow a hit. Eduarniel Núñez allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two. Ethan Roberts allowed one hit, struck out two, and picked up the save. Iowa pitchers struck out 13. Iowa broke through in the seventh. Chas McCormick walked, Jordan Nwogu singled, and James Triantos was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ethan Hearn then doubled to center field to score all three runners. The Cubs added a run in the eighth. Owen Ayers walked, McCormick singled, and Kevin Alcántara singled to center field to bring Ayers home for a 4-0 lead. Columbus answered with two runs in the bottom of the eighth on a pair of solo home runs, both charged to Núñez. Hearn led the offense with two hits, a double, and three RBI. McCormick had two hits and a walk, and Nwogu added two hits. Alcántara had a hit, a walk, and an RBI. Iowa Cubs Notable Defense Owen Ayers threw out two runners attempting to steal, one at second base and one at third base. Iowa Cubs Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean 5 0 0 0 0 1 Owen Miller 4 0 1 0 0 1 Owen Ayers 3 1 0 0 1 1 Chas McCormick 3 1 2 0 1 1 Kevin Alcántara 3 0 1 1 1 0 Jordan Nwogu 4 1 2 0 0 0 James Triantos 2 1 0 0 1 1 Ethan Hearn 4 0 2 3 0 1 Hayden Cantrelle 3 0 0 0 1 2 Iowa Cubs Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Evan Taylor 2 2/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Jaxon Wiggins 1 1/3 2 0 0 1 1 0 Jayden Murray 2 1 0 0 1 3 0 Antoine Kelly 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Eduarniel Núñez 1 2 2 2 0 2 2 Ethan Roberts 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Knoxville's Early Lead Vanishes In Lopsided Loss To Chattanooga The Knoxville Smokies took an early lead, then gave up 13 unanswered runs in a 13-3 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts. Knoxville collected 11 hits and three doubles, but the Smokies struck out 15 times and left 13 runners on base. Jake Knapp started and threw five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, walking none, and striking out four. Jackson Brockett allowed seven runs, six earned, on two hits and four walks, struck out one, and took the loss. Vince Reilly recorded one out and allowed two runs on one hit and a walk. Yenrri Rojas allowed four runs on three hits, including a home run, over 1 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out one. Kenyi Perez allowed one hit and struck out two. Knoxville built its lead in the third. Miguel Useche and Andy Garriola singled, and after a fly out, Carter Trice doubled to left field to score Useche. Alex Madera singled to score Garriola, and Dom Krupinski singled to score Trice for a 3-0 lead. Chattanooga cut the deficit to 3-2 in the sixth on a pair of ground outs, then sent 13 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs in the seventh to take a 12-3 lead. The Lookouts added another run in the eighth. Garriola finished with three hits. Trice had two hits, a double, and an RBI. Madera had two hits, a walk, and an RBI. Krupinski had a hit and an RBI. Leadoff hitter Kane Kepley doubled and struck out three times. Knoxville Smokies Notable Defense Alex Madera, Karson Simas, and Edgar Alvarez turned a double play in the second inning. Kane Kepley threw in from center field in the third inning to cut down a runner trying to reach second base, with Madera, Alvarez, and Simas handling the relay. Knoxville Smokies Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 5 0 1 0 0 3 Alex Ramírez 4 0 0 0 1 0 Miguel Useche 5 1 1 0 0 3 Andy Garriola 5 1 3 0 0 0 Edgar Alvarez 3 0 1 0 1 1 Colin Hynek 1 0 0 0 0 1 Carter Trice 5 1 2 1 0 1 Alex Madera 4 0 2 1 1 2 Dom Krupinski 3 0 1 1 0 2 Karson Simas 4 0 0 0 0 2 Knoxville Smokies Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jake Knapp 5 3 0 0 0 4 0 Jackson Brockett 1 2 7 6 4 1 0 Vince Reilly 1/3 1 2 2 1 0 0 Yenrri Rojas 1 2/3 3 4 4 2 1 1 Kenyi Perez 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 Kade Snell's Walk-Off Homer Lifts South Bend Over Cedar Rapids Kade Snell hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the South Bend Cubs a 7-5 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels. South Bend finished with nine hits, three doubles, and a home run, and left three runners on base. Nazier Mulé started and allowed two runs on three hits over 3 1/3 innings, walking six and striking out five. Jackson Kirkpatrick followed with 1 2/3 innings, allowed no hits, walked two, and struck out three. Adam Stone allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits over 2 1/3 innings and struck out three. Ethan Bell allowed one hit over 1 2/3 innings, struck out five, and earned the win. South Bend took the lead in the third. Michael Hallquist doubled, leadoff hitter Leonel Espinoza singled him home, and Alexey Lumpuy doubled to right field to score Espinoza for a 2-1 lead. Cedar Rapids tied the game in the fourth, and South Bend went back in front in the seventh when Michael Gupton singled home Reginald Preciado. The Kernels scored three runs in the eighth to lead 5-3, with the last of those runs coming home on a wild pitch. Logan Poteet's ground out brought South Bend within 5-4. In the ninth, Matt Halbach reached on catcher's interference and Preciado walked. Snell then homered to left field. Halbach finished with two hits and two runs scored. Espinoza had a hit, a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored. Snell had a hit, a home run, and three RBI. Lumpuy, Poteet, and Gupton each had a hit and an RBI. South Bend Cubs Notable Defense South Bend turned two double plays. Michael Hallquist and Brennan Hudson turned the first in the opening inning, and Matt Halbach, Jose Escobar, and Hudson turned another in the third. South Bend was charged with one error, a fielding error by left fielder Michael Gupton in the eighth inning. South Bend Cubs Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Leonel Espinoza 3 2 1 1 1 0 Alexey Lumpuy 4 0 1 1 0 2 Logan Poteet 4 0 1 1 0 2 Jose Escobar 4 0 0 0 0 1 Matt Halbach 3 1 2 0 0 0 Brennan Hudson 3 0 0 0 0 2 Josiah Hartshorn 1 0 0 0 0 1 Reginald Preciado 3 2 1 0 1 0 Michael Hallquist 2 1 1 0 1 0 Kade Snell 1 1 1 3 0 0 Michael Gupton 3 0 1 1 0 1 South Bend Cubs Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Nazier Mulé 3 1/3 3 2 2 6 5 0 Jackson Kirkpatrick 1 2/3 0 0 0 2 3 0 Adam Stone 2 1/3 5 3 2 0 3 0 Ethan Bell 1 2/3 1 0 0 0 5 0 Caden Sorrell's Three-Run Homer Carries Myrtle Beach Past Columbia Caden Sorrell hit a three-run home run in the third inning, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans beat the Columbia Fireflies, 5-1. Myrtle Beach finished with six hits and three walks, and left six runners on base. Kevin Camacho started and allowed one run on six hits over five innings, walking one and striking out six, and he earned the win. Fenuel James allowed one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings, and he struck out four. Jhon Cabral struck out two and did not allow a hit. The Pelicans scored first in the third. Leadoff hitter Juan Tomas singled, Corey Nunez reached on a throwing error, and Sorrell homered to right field for a 3-0 lead. Columbia got a run back in the fourth on a solo home run, the only run Myrtle Beach pitching allowed. Myrtle Beach added a run in the fifth. Nunez doubled, and he scored on a wild pitch during Jhoander Irigoyen's walk for a 4-1 lead. The Pelicans made it 5-1 in the seventh. Jan Luis Reyes and Tomas singled, and Reyes scored on a wild pitch. Tomas finished with two hits and a run scored. Nunez had a double, a hit by pitch, and two runs scored. Sorrell had a hit, a home run, and three RBI. Darlyn De Leon and Reyes each had a hit. Myrtle Beach Pelicans Notable Defense Corey Nunez, Alexis Hernandez, and Ivan Cespedes turned a double play in the second inning. Myrtle Beach Pelicans Hitting Player AB R H RBI BB K Juan Tomas 4 1 2 0 0 0 Corey Nunez 3 2 1 0 0 0 Caden Sorrell 4 1 1 3 0 2 Jhoander Irigoyen 3 0 0 0 1 0 Alexis Hernandez 3 0 0 0 1 1 Derik Alcantara 3 0 0 0 1 1 Darlyn De Leon 4 0 1 0 0 0 Ivan Cespedes 4 0 0 0 0 4 Jan Luis Reyes 3 1 1 0 0 1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kevin Camacho 5 6 1 1 1 6 1 Fenuel James 3 1 0 0 1 4 0 Jhon Cabral 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-1, K Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: 1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K Owen Ayers: 0-for-3, BB, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-5, 2B, 3 K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 K Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, K Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: DNP Grant Kipp: DNP Jose Escobar: 0-for-4, K Ariel Armas: DNP Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Justin Steele Makes Rehab Start In Iowa Loss Justin Steele made a rehab start for the Iowa Cubs, and the Cubs lost 6-2 at Columbus. Steele struck out the first batter he faced, gave up a two-out single, and got a flyout to finish a scoreless opening frame. He then retired the first two batters he saw the next time out, the second on a called third strike that came after a successful Iowa challenge. The Clippers followed with a single, a run-scoring double, a fielding error that let a second run in, and an RBI single, and Steele was lifted with two outs recorded. He finished with 1 2/3 innings, four hits, three runs, one earned, no walks, and two strikeouts, facing 10 batters in all. Iowa had staked him to the lead an inning earlier. Chas McCormick reached on an error, James Triantos walked, and after a strikeout, Austin Wynns lifted a sacrifice fly that scored McCormick. Ethan Hearn doubled home Triantos and took third on the throw. Both Iowa runs were unearned, and the Cubs did not score again. Connor Noland gave up five hits, three runs, and a home run across 3 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out two, as Columbus added a run in the third and two more in the fourth. Grant Kipp was the best of the group, throwing two scoreless innings with one hit, one walk, and four strikeouts. Gabe Klobosits finished with a clean inning and two strikeouts. Owen Ayers went 2-for-4 with a double, and McCormick added two hits, including a double, and a run scored. Hearn finished 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Iowa totaled six hits, three walks, and two runs, and left eight runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean, RF 5 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Miller, LF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Ayers, DH 4 0 2 0 0 1 Chas McCormick, CF 4 1 2 0 0 0 James Triantos, 3B 3 1 0 0 1 1 Ben Cowles, SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 Austin Wynns, C 2 0 1 1 1 0 Ethan Hearn, 1B 4 0 1 1 0 0 Hayden Cantrelle, 2B 3 0 0 0 1 1 Totals 33 2 6 2 3 5 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Justin Steele 1 2/3 4 3 1 0 2 0 Connor Noland 3 1/3 5 3 3 2 2 1 Grant Kipp 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 Gabe Klobosits 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Totals 8 10 6 4 3 10 1 Brody McCullough Strikes Out 10 In Knoxville Loss Brody McCullough gave the Knoxville Smokies five scoreless innings, but the bullpen could not protect a one-run lead in a 5-1 loss to Chattanooga. McCullough allowed two hits, walked nobody, and struck out 10. Knoxville scored in the first inning. Kane Kepley led off with a triple to right field, and Alex Ramírez singled him home two batters into the game. A pop-out and a flyout followed, Edgar Alvarez walked, and Ariel Armas grounded into a force out to end the inning. That run was the Smokies' only one of the night. The seventh inning turned the game. Chattanooga opened with a walk and a hit batter, then hit a three-run homer to right field for a 3-1 lead. Another hit batter followed before a strikeout and a groundout closed the frame. The Lookouts added single unearned runs in the eighth and ninth. Frankie Scalzo Jr. followed McCullough with an inning of relief, allowing one hit and one walk. Marino Santy gave up three runs on one hit and a walk in an inning, with a strikeout. Tyler Schlaffer worked two innings, allowing two hits and two unearned runs with one walk and three strikeouts. Kepley finished 2-for-4 with a triple, a run scored, and one strikeout. Armas went 1-for-3 with a double. Ramírez was 1-for-4 and drove in the run. Knoxville managed four hits and three walks, struck out 10 times, and left four runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley, CF 4 1 2 0 0 1 Alex Ramírez, RF 4 0 1 1 0 0 Miguel Useche, 1B 3 0 0 0 1 0 Andy Garriola, DH 4 0 0 0 0 2 Edgar Alvarez, 3B 3 0 0 0 1 1 Ariel Armas, C 3 0 1 0 0 1 Carter Trice, LF 3 0 0 0 0 2 Alex Madera, 2B 2 0 0 0 1 2 Karson Simas, SS 3 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 29 1 4 1 3 10 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Brody McCullough 5 2 0 0 0 10 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 Marino Santy 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 Tyler Schlaffer 2 2 2 0 1 3 0 Totals 9 6 5 3 3 14 1 Justin Stransky's Three-Run Homer Lifts South Bend Justin Stransky hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and the South Bend Cubs held on to beat Cedar Rapids 4-3. South Bend broke through in the fifth. Michael Gupton tripled to center field with one out, and Kade Snell singled him home for a 1-0 lead. The sixth produced three more. Jose Escobar drew a walk with one out, Matt Halbach doubled to left field to move Escobar to third, and after a strikeout, Stransky drove a fly ball to left center for a three-run homer and a 4-0 lead. Gupton walked before a strikeout ended the inning. Brayden Spears started and kept Cedar Rapids off the board across four innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out five. Braylon Myers followed with 3 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and one run, walking two and striking out five. JP Wheat closed it out with 1 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and two runs on three walks with three strikeouts, working around a rally that pulled the Kernels within a run. Halbach was the top hitter with a 2-for-3 line that included a double and a walk. Stransky went 1-for-4 with the home run and three RBI. Gupton finished 1-for-3 with a triple and a walk, and Escobar was 1-for-3 with a walk. South Bend collected seven hits and six walks, struck out 12 times, committed two errors, and left eight runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Josiah Hartshorn, 1B 2 0 0 0 1 1 Brennan Hudson, 1B 1 0 0 0 0 1 Kade Snell, LF 3 0 1 1 1 1 Angel Cepeda, SS 4 0 0 0 0 2 Logan Poteet, DH 4 0 1 0 0 3 Jose Escobar, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 1 Matt Halbach, 3B 3 1 2 0 1 0 Alexey Lumpuy, CF 2 0 0 0 0 0 Leonel Espinoza, CF 1 0 0 0 1 1 Justin Stransky, C 4 1 1 3 0 1 Michael Gupton, RF 3 1 1 0 1 1 Totals 30 4 7 4 6 12 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Brayden Spears 4 3 0 0 1 5 0 Braylon Myers 3 2/3 3 1 1 2 5 0 JP Wheat 1 1/3 1 2 2 3 3 0 Totals 9 7 3 3 6 13 0 Caden Sorrell Drives In Five As Myrtle Beach Rolls Caden Sorrell drove in five runs, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans beat Columbia 6-2. The third inning decided it. Juan Cabada walked to start the frame, Juan Tomas doubled to left field to push Cabada to third, and Corey Nunez walked to load the bases. Sorrell then drove a line drive over the right field wall to bring in three more runs. Derik Alcantara added a walk later in the inning. Myrtle Beach tacked on two more in the sixth. Ivan Cespedes singled to center field, Cabada walked, Nunez was hit by a pitch after a strikeout, and Sorrell lined a single to center that scored Cespedes and Cabada. A double play ended the inning. Hayden Frank handled the start, allowing five hits and two runs over five innings with four walks, four strikeouts, and one home run allowed. Ashton Pocol followed with three hitless, scoreless innings, walking two and striking out four. Jordan Henriquez finished with a scoreless inning and a strikeout. Sorrell went 3-for-5 with the home run, five RBI, and two strikeouts. Tomas was 2-for-4 with a double and a walk. Cabada reached on two walks and scored twice, and Nunez had one hit and two walks. Derniche Valdez went 1-for-4, and Cespedes was 1-for-4 with a run scored. The Pelicans piled up eight hits and eight walks, struck out 12 times, and left 11 runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Juan Cabada, 2B 2 2 0 0 2 0 Alexis Hernandez, 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 Juan Tomas, DH 4 1 2 0 1 2 Corey Nunez, 3B 2 1 1 0 2 1 Caden Sorrell, LF 5 1 3 5 0 2 Darlyn De Leon, CF 4 0 0 0 1 1 Derniche Valdez, SS 4 0 1 0 0 2 Derik Alcantara, RF 2 0 0 0 2 0 Jose Silva, C 4 0 0 0 0 3 Ivan Cespedes, 1B 4 1 1 0 0 1 Totals 31 6 8 5 8 12 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Hayden Frank 5 5 2 2 4 4 1 Ashton Pocol 3 0 0 0 2 4 0 Jordan Henriquez 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Totals 9 5 2 2 6 9 1 Top-20 Prospect Performance Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-2, BB, K Cade Townsend: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Owen Ayers: 2-for-4, 2B, K Kane Kepley: 2-for-4, 3B, R, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Caden Sorrell: 3-for-5, HR, 5 RBI, 2 K Kaleb Wing: DNP Myles Bailey: DNP Brooks Caple: DNP James Triantos: 0-for-3, BB, R, K Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 R Jostin Florentino: DNP Derniche Valdez: 1-for-4, 2 K Grant Kipp: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K Jose Escobar: 1-for-3, BB, R, K Ariel Armas: 1-for-3, 2B, K Fernando Cruz: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP View full article