Iowa Cubs Crushed by Buffalo While Smokies Top Birmingham
The Iowa Cubs took a brutal 15-1 loss to the Buffalo Bison on Thursday, but the Chicago Cubs farm system still had plenty to celebrate. The Knoxville Smokies rolled past the Birmingham Barons 5-1, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans walked off with a late 9th-inning win. Meanwhile, the South Bend Cubs struggled in an 8-1 loss to Quad Cities.
Roster Moves Shake Up Iowa Cubs
Triple-A Iowa saw a quick roster shuffle ahead of Thursday's game. Right-hander Grant Kipp earned a promotion from Double-A Knoxville to Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, right-hander Kenten Egbert was sent back down to High-A South Bend after making just one appearance with the I-Cubs.
What went wrong for the Iowa Cubs against Buffalo?
It was a rough night in Des Moines. The Buffalo Bison, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, dominated the Iowa Cubs in a 15-1 rout.
Corbin Martin got the start in a hybrid opener role. Martin took the loss after surrendering two runs on one hit and one walk over 1.2 innings. He managed two strikeouts before the bullpen struggle continued.
The I-Cubs offense could only muster six hits, all singles. Third baseman James Triantos provided the lone bright spot at the plate, going 2 for 4. Triantos singled home right fielder Kevin Alcántara with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to avoid the shutout. Alcántara went 0 for 3 with a walk.
Center fielder Brett Bateman provided at least one defensive highlight for the home crowd, making a standout play in the outfield.
How did the Knoxville Smokies take down Birmingham?
The Double-A Smokies delivered a solid 5-1 victory over the Birmingham Barons, the Chicago White Sox affiliate.
Starting pitcher Dawson Netz was dominant. Netz kept the Barons off the board for six innings, allowing just two hits. He struck out two and walked only one batter.
Catcher Owen Ayers wasted no time getting the Smokies on the board. Ayers launched a solo home run in the top of the first inning. It marked his 20th home run of the season and his 14th since joining the Smokies. Ayers finished the night 2 for 3 with a walk.
Shortstop Ed Howard added some insurance in the seventh inning. Howard smashed his first home run of the year off the scoreboard with a runner on base. He went 1 for 4 on the night.
Second baseman Hayden Cantrelle put together a strong performance at the plate. Cantrelle doubled twice in a 3 for 4 effort, scoring twice and driving in one run.
South Bend Cubs Stumble Against Quad Cities
The High-A South Bend Cubs fell to the Quad Cities River Bandits, the Kansas City Royals affiliate, by a score of 8-1.
Starting pitcher Mason McGwire took the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits over four innings. McGwire walked two and struck out four.
South Bend's offense was quiet, managing just four hits total. Third baseman Matt Halbach and left fielder Jose Escobar hit back-to-back doubles in the fifth inning to score the Cubs' only run. Both players finished 1 for 4.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Edge Out Salem in Late Rally
The Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans pulled off a gritty 5-4 win over the Salem RidgeYaks, the Boston Red Sox affiliate.
Starting pitcher Kaleb Wing had a short outing, throwing just 18 pitches and one inning. Wing allowed no runs and no hits, walking one and striking out two. There was no visible sign of an injury on the mound, though early exits always raise questions about player health.
Reliever David Bracho threw the next three innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Edwardo Melendez followed with three innings of work, giving up one run on two hits while walking two and striking out three.
Emilio Ramos closed the door with two scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth. Ramos did not give up a hit or a run, walking one and striking out two to earn the win.
Second baseman Alexis Hernández was the offensive hero. Hernández went 3 for 5 with two doubles. His second double in the top of the ninth scored Alexey Lumpuy, breaking a 4-4 tie and proving to be the winning run. Hernández finished with two total RBI and scored once.
Center fielder Lumpuy went 1 for 4 and was hit by a pitch. He also stole a base. Catcher Jairo Diaz went 2 for 4, scoring one run and driving one in.
ACL Cubs Trail Brewers in Seventh
In Arizona Complex League action, the ACL Cubs were trailing the Brewers 7-5 in the seventh inning at the time of reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was promoted to the Iowa Cubs?
Right-hander Grant Kipp was promoted from Double-A Knoxville to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.
Who did the Iowa Cubs lose to?
The Iowa Cubs lost 15-1 to the Buffalo Bison, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
How many home runs does Owen Ayers have this season?
Owen Ayers has hit 20 home runs this season, including 14 since joining the Knoxville Smokies.