Iowa Cubs Power Surge: Ben Cowles Hits Two Homers in Rout of St. Paul
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Cubs put on a show at Principal Park on Friday night, slugging their way to a commanding victory over the St. Paul Saints. Third baseman Ben Cowles led the charge with two home runs and five RBIs, powering the I-Cubs to a decisive win in front of the home crowd.
The offensive explosion came early and often, with Iowa plating six runs in the bottom of the first inning alone. The outburst included three home runs, setting the tone for what became a memorable night for the home team.
How did the Iowa Cubs jump out to an early lead?
The I-Cubs wasted no time answering an early St. Paul run. After the Saints grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Iowa responded with a six-run bottom half that featured three long balls.
Designated hitter Owen Miller started the rally with a solo home run, his seventh of the season, to tie the game. Then Cowles stepped to the plate and delivered the big blow, a three-run shot that gave Iowa a lead they would never surrender.
Catcher Ethan Hearn capped off the first-inning fireworks with a solo home run of his own, his sixth of the year and second with the Cubs organization.
What made Ben Cowles' performance special?
Cowles was the unquestioned star of the night. The third baseman finished 3 for 3 with a walk, two home runs, and five runs batted in. His second homer of the game came in the fifth inning, a back-to-back blast with left fielder Greg Jones that put an exclamation point on the victory.
Jones also had a strong night, going 2 for 4 with a walk, two stolen bases, and three runs scored. Second baseman Ed Howard chipped in with a 2-for-4 performance and a run scored.
How did the pitching staff perform?
On the mound, Kohl Franklin delivered a solid start in his continued comeback from nearly two years away from the game. Franklin allowed just one run on three hits over four innings, striking out three and walking two. The lone run came on a solo home run by Walker Jenkins, the Minnesota Twins' top prospect, on the very first pitch of the game.
Evan Taylor earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits while striking out two. The bullpen held firm the rest of the way, preserving the Iowa lead.
What's next for the Iowa Cubs?
The I-Cubs will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against St. Paul. With the offense firing on all cylinders and the pitching staff showing signs of depth, Iowa appears poised for a strong stretch run.
The victory was a team effort, with contributions up and down the lineup. For fans in Des Moines, nights like this are a reminder of the talent developing within the Cubs organization right in their own backyard.
Other Cubs minor league affiliates see success
It wasn't just Iowa that found success on Friday. The Knoxville Smokies grounded the Rocket City Trash Pandas 6-1, with starter Brody McCullough allowing just one run over five innings while striking out eight. The South Bend Cubs fell 8-6 to Great Lakes despite home runs from Logan Poteet and Matt Halbach. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans soothed the Hill City Howlers 11-4, with strong debuts from recent draft picks Chase Meyer and Luke Alwood.
For Iowa fans, the focus remains on the big club's top affiliate, and Friday night's performance gave plenty of reasons for optimism.