Iowa Cubs Recap: Pomeranz Debuts, Alvarez Homers For Smokies
By John Damon
The Iowa Cubs dropped a tough series finale against the Buffalo Bisons on Sunday, falling 8-5, but the big story was the debut of veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz. Across the Chicago Cubs farm system, Edgar Alvarez launched his eighth home run for the Knoxville Smokies, and the South Bend Cubs suffered a brutal ninth-inning collapse against the Quad Cities River Bandits.
How did the Iowa Cubs perform against Buffalo?
The Iowa Cubs couldn't hold off the Buffalo Bisons, losing 8-5. Kenten Egbert made the jump from High-A South Bend to Triple-A Iowa for the start, but the promotion didn't go smoothly. Egbert allowed eight runs, five earned, on eight hits over 2.2 innings. He walked five batters and struck out two.
Veteran Drew Pomeranz took the mound in the fourth inning for his first appearance in an Iowa uniform. The left-hander looked sharp, giving up only a two-out walk while striking out two. Cobin Martin provided a solid relief outing, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing just one walk. Catcher Christian Bethancourt even pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game.
At the plate, Scott Kingery hit a solo home run in the third inning, his second of the year. In a bizarre twist, Kingery also recorded the final out of the third inning on the mound, getting a groundout on a 36 mph curveball. Technically, he hit that home run as a pitcher. James Triantos went 1 for 4 with a walk and two runs batted in. Owen Miller added two hits in five at-bats.
What stood out in the Smokies' loss to Birmingham?
The Knoxville Smokies fell to the Birmingham Barons, 10-5. Starter Koen Moreno went four innings and allowed three runs, one unearned, on four hits. Erian Rodriguez took the loss after a rough outing, surrendering five runs on three hits and three walks over 1.2 innings.
Third baseman Edgar Alvarez provided the offensive highlight, blasting a three-run homer in the fifth inning. It was his eighth home run of the season. Catcher Owen Ayers had a perfect day at the plate, going 4 for 4 with a double and a walk while scoring three times. Center fielder Alex Ramírez went 2 for 5 with an RBI double and a stolen base. Left fielder Andy Garriola added two hits, including an RBI double.
How did South Bend lose to Quad Cities?
The South Bend Cubs suffered a heartbreaking 7-2 loss to the Quad Cities River Bandits. South Bend received an excellent start from Alfredo Romero, who pitched five scoreless innings and gave up just one hit while striking out five.
The Cubs carried a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning, but the bullpen couldn't hold it. Reliever Ethan Bell took the loss, giving up five runs on four walks and one hit in just one-third of an inning. Grayson Moore also struggled in relief as Quad Cities scored seven runs in the frame. Kane Kepley hit a solo home run in the sixth inning for South Bend, his fourth of the year. The team managed only four hits total.
What happened in the Pelicans' late game?
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans lost a wild one to the Salem RidgeYaks, 7-6. Brody McCullough started on a rehab assignment and allowed one run over three innings while striking out four.
The Pelicans tied the game in the top of the ninth inning thanks to a two-run home run by Yahil Melendez, his second of the year. However, the relief pitching couldn't close the door. Aiden Moffat walked all three batters he faced in the bottom of the ninth. Edwardo Melendez entered with the bases loaded and gave up a walk-off single to the only batter he faced. Edward Vargas had a strong day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored.
Who made their Iowa Cubs debut Sunday?
Veteran left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz made his Iowa Cubs debut Sunday, pitching a scoreless fourth inning and striking out two batters.
How many home runs does Edgar Alvarez have this season?
Edgar Alvarez hit his eighth home run of the season for the Knoxville Smokies on Sunday.
Did the South Bend Cubs win on Sunday?
No, the South Bend Cubs lost 7-2 to the Quad Cities River Bandits after giving up seven runs in the top of the ninth inning.