Iowa Cubs Walk Off Winners as Triantos Delivers in Extras
The Iowa Cubs delivered a thrilling walk-off victory on Wednesday, defeating the Indianapolis Indians 6-5 in ten innings. Second baseman James Triantos secured the win with a game-winning single, capping off a night that started with a grand slam by shortstop Ben Cowles. Across the Cubs minor league system, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans grabbed a solid win, the Knoxville Smokies stumbled, and the South Bend Cubs waited out the rain.
Iowa Cubs Edge Indianapolis in Extra Innings
The Iowa Cubs fought hard to sneak past Indianapolis, the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, with a 6-5 extra-inning victory at Principal Park.
Starting pitcher Paul Campbell had a strong outing through five innings, allowing just one run. However, Campbell struggled in the sixth, giving up three runs before getting pulled. His final stat line showed four runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings, with three strikeouts and two walks.
Reliever Tyler Ferguson returned to the Iowa roster but blew a save, though the damage came from an unearned run. Ferguson made a poor pickoff throw to first base, leading to the scoring opportunity. He allowed one unearned run on three hits over two innings, walking one and striking out none.
Vince Reilly pitched a crucial top of the tenth inning, stranding the automatic runner and earning the win. Reilly allowed no runs and no hits, walking one and striking out one.
Key Performers for the I-Cubs
The offense was highlighted by Ben Cowles, who smashed a grand slam in the fourth inning. It was his fourth home run of the year. Cowles finished the day 2 for 3 with a walk.
James Triantos provided the heroics in the bottom of the tenth, singling home BJ Murray for the win. Triantos went 2 for 4 with a double.
Knoxville Smokies Fall Behind Chattanooga
The Knoxville Smokies fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds affiliate, 5-2. This loss drops the Smokies a game behind the Lookouts with only four games left in the first half.
Starter Frankie Scalzo Jr. took the loss after giving up a three-run home run in the second inning. Scalzo finished with three runs allowed on two hits and two walks over 1.1 innings, striking out one.
Tyler Santana provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, throwing three strong innings of relief with no runs, two hits, and five strikeouts.
The Smokies offense managed just five hits, all singles. Second baseman Hayden Cantrelle went 2 for 2 with a walk and a run scored. Third baseman Jefferson Rojas added an RBI single, finishing 1 for 4.
South Bend Cubs Rained Out
The South Bend Cubs did not get to play on Wednesday. The team was rained out and will play a doubleheader in Fort Wayne on Thursday.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Dominate Delmarva
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans secured an 8-6 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Baltimore Orioles affiliate.
Noah Edders set the tone early, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit, walking none, and striking out four. Riely Hunsaker pitched the next four innings to grab the win, giving up one run on four hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Jhon Rosario closed it out, pitching 2.2 innings. He gave up two runs in the ninth but held on for the save.
Myrtle Beach built a strong lead with five runs in the top of the second inning and never trailed. Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy reached base constantly, going 1 for 2 with three walks and three stolen bases. He scored once and drove in a run. First baseman Michael Carico went 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Designated hitter Edward Vargas went 1 for 3, hitting a two-run single in the third, getting hit by a pitch, stealing a base, and scoring once.
Infielder Geuri Lubo added an RBI infield single, finishing 1 for 4. Outfielder Alexis Hernandez contributed an RBI single, going 1 for 4 with a walk.
Minor League Roster Moves
Left-handed pitcher Victor Zarraga was sent to the rookie ball ACL Cubs from Low-A Myrtle Beach. In rookie ball action, the ACL Cubs were leading the Angels 4-2 in the third inning at the time of this report.
How did the Iowa Cubs win on Wednesday?
The Iowa Cubs won 6-5 in ten innings against Indianapolis. James Triantos hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the tenth inning to score BJ Murray, securing the extra-inning victory for Iowa.
Who hit the grand slam for the Iowa Cubs?
Shortstop Ben Cowles hit a grand slam for the Iowa Cubs in the fourth inning. It was his fourth home run of the season.
Why did the South Bend Cubs not play?
The South Bend Cubs were rained out on Wednesday. They are scheduled to play a doubleheader against the Fort Wayne TinCaps on Thursday.