Cubs Re-Sign Pitcher Andrew Wantz, Assign Him to Iowa Cubs
Right-hander Andrew Wantz has re-signed with the Chicago Cubs just three days after declaring free agency, the team announced Thursday. Wantz has been assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.
Wantz Returns to Iowa After Brief Free Agency
Wantz, who had been with the Cubs organization earlier this season, declared free agency on August 4. The quick re-signing signals the Cubs value his arm depth as the minor league season winds down. He will report to Principal Park and join the Iowa Cubs pitching staff immediately.
Iowa Cubs fans will see Wantz on the mound as the team continues its push through the International League schedule.
Iowa Cubs Fall 3-2 to Indianapolis
The Iowa Cubs dropped a tight game to the Indianapolis Indians (Pirates affiliate) on Thursday, losing 3-2 in a contest that came down to the final inning.
Right-hander Connor Noland made his first start for Iowa since June and turned in a sharp performance. He kept Indianapolis scoreless over three innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out two.
The game stayed close until the bottom of the ninth. Reliever Gabe Klobosits took the loss after giving up a two-out triple followed by an RBI single. Klobosits worked 1.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits with one strikeout and one intentional walk.
Left fielder Hayden Cantrelle led the Iowa offense, going 3 for 4 with a run scored. Third baseman Ben Cowles added two hits in five at-bats.
Knoxville Smokies Power Past Lookouts 7-3
The Double-A Knoxville Smokies (Cubs affiliate) put on a power display Thursday night, slugging four home runs in a 7-3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (Reds affiliate).
Right-hander Brody McCullough earned the win after five innings of work. He allowed three runs on three hits, with all three runs coming on two home runs. McCullough walked two and struck out two.
Reliever Connor Schultz was dominant, throwing three scoreless, hitless innings. He struck out six and walked one.
The Smokies' home run barrage started in the fourth inning when designated hitter Miguel Useche launched a solo shot. It was Useche's third straight game with a home run, his fourth for Knoxville and 11th overall this season.
Second baseman Drew Bowser followed with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, his second with Knoxville and seventh overall. First baseman Edgar Alvarez crushed his ninth home run of the year in the seventh inning, setting a new career high. Left fielder Andy Garriola added a two-run blast in the eighth, his team-leading 19th home run of the season.
Center fielder Karson Simas went 3 for 4 with a double and a stolen base, scoring once.
South Bend Cubs Split Doubleheader with Cedar Rapids
The High-A South Bend Cubs split a doubleheader against the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins affiliate) on Thursday, winning the continuation of a suspended game 4-1 before falling 4-2 in the regularly scheduled contest.
In game one, right-hander Braylon Myers started the suspended game on Wednesday, lasting three innings before rain halted play. He allowed one run on one hit, a solo home run, while walking four and striking out three.
Reliever JP Wheat threw two scoreless, hitless innings, though he walked three and struck out one. Brayden Spears earned the win with four innings of relief, allowing no runs on two hits while striking out one.
First baseman Josiah Hartshorn broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning with an RBI single. He went 2 for 2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly. Center fielder Alexei Lumpuy doubled in Hartshorn later in the inning for his first South Bend hit.
Shortstop Angel Cepeda went 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base, scoring twice. Second baseman Jose Escobar added two hits and a steal.
In game two, right-hander Nazier Mulé pitched well, allowing just one run on four hits over five innings with six strikeouts. But reliever Adam Stone took the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) in the sixth inning.
Left fielder Kade Snell provided the lone highlight for South Bend in game two, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning, his seventh of the year.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Rained Out
The Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans had their game against the Columbia Fireflies rained out Thursday. The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday.