Cubs Rehab Trio Shines as Iowa Cubs Win in Extra Innings
Three Chicago Cubs pitchers on rehab assignments delivered strong performances as the Iowa Cubs defeated the Indianapolis Indians 5-3 in ten innings on Wednesday. The game, played in Indianapolis, showcased the depth of the Cubs organization as Edward Cabrera, Hoby Milner, and Daniel Palencia all took the mound for Iowa.
Cabrera Dominates in Start
Edward Cabrera started for Iowa and was nearly untouchable. He allowed just one unearned run on one hit over four innings, striking out eight batters without issuing a walk. Cabrera threw 55 pitches, with 41 of them finding the strike zone. His command and velocity were on full display, a promising sign for Cubs fans hoping to see him in Chicago soon.
Milner and Palencia Follow
Hoby Milner entered in the fifth inning and pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit and one walk. He struck out two batters. Milner faced two batters in the sixth, both reaching base, before being relieved by Collin Snider. The runner who reached on a walk later scored, adding an unearned run to Milner's line.
Daniel Palencia took over in the seventh inning but struggled with control. He allowed one run on one hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one. Palencia's outing was cut short after he gave up the lead, but the Iowa bullpen rallied to secure the win.
Wicks Closes the Door
Jordan Wicks entered to finish the seventh inning and did not allow any further damage. He pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up just one hit while striking out three and walking two. Wicks earned the win for his efforts, keeping the game tied and setting up Iowa's extra-inning heroics.
Ayers Delivers in the Tenth
Catcher Owen Ayers was the offensive star for Iowa. He doubled home the automatic runner in the top of the tenth inning and later scored on an error, giving Iowa a two-run lead. Ayers finished 2 for 5 with two RBI and one run scored.
Center fielder Chas McCormick also contributed, going 2 for 4 at the plate. Shortstop Ben Cowles made a great defensive play, robbing an Indianapolis batter of a hit.
Smokies Sweep Doubleheader
The Knoxville Smokies, the Cubs' Double-A affiliate, swept a doubleheader from the Chattanooga Lookouts, winning 4-0 and 4-1. In game one, Dawson Netz and Tyler Ras combined on a seven-inning one-hitter. Netz pitched five innings, allowing one hit while striking out four. Ras retired all six batters he faced in the final two innings, striking out four.
First baseman Miguel Useche hit a solo home run in the second inning of game one, going 2 for 3. Third baseman Dom Krupinski hit his first two home runs in affiliated ball, both solo shots, in his first Double-A game. In game two, Useche hit his second home run of the day, a solo shot in the fifth inning. DH Andy Garriola went 2 for 4 with two RBI.
South Bend Game Suspended
The South Bend Cubs game against Cedar Rapids was tied 1-1 in the third inning when rain forced a suspension. The game will be completed on Thursday, followed by a seven-inning nightcap.
Pelicans Struggle in Doubleheader
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were swept in a doubleheader by the Columbia Fireflies, losing 3-1 in the continuation of a suspended game and being no-hit in a 5-0 loss in game two. Right fielder Caden Sorrell, a second-round pick, went 2 for 4 with a stolen base and a run scored in his first professional game, providing a bright spot for the Pelicans.