The Cubs’ 12th-round pick last month, right-hander Connor Spencer, and their 17th-round pick, catcher Logan Poteet, were both assigned to High-A South Bend.
South Bend left-hander Evan Aschenbeck was put on the Development List.
Smokies right-hander Wil Jensen was activated off the 60-day injured list.
Smokies right-hander Jozhan Oquendo was released.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs grounded the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Angels), 3-2 in ten innings.
Connor Noland turned in a strong start, allowing just one run on six hits
over six innings. He struck out five and walked no one, although he did hit one batter.
Tom Cosgrove retired three hitters in order—two by strikeout—in the top of the tenth to get the win.
First baseman Jonathon Long hit a fielder’s choice to first base in the bottom of the tenth to score Nicky Lopez and end the game. The safe call at the plate was controversial—all I can guess is that the umpire ruled the catcher blocked the plate. Long was 0 for 2 with three walks. Lopez went 0 for 4 with a walk.
Iowa’s other two runs came on a double by DH Carlos Pérez in the fifth inning. Pérez was 1 for 4.
A nice catch by James Triantos in left.
The Pérez double.
Here is the controversial final play of the game.
Knoxville Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies were put out by the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays), 6-2.
Tyler Schlaffer started and took the loss after giving up two runs on six hits over 3.1 innings. Schlaffer walked three, hit one batter and struck out three.
Catcher Ethan Hearn connected in the fifth inning with the bases empty on his eighth home run of the season. Hearn was 2 for 3 with a double and the home run.
As the post says, Hearn’s been hot this week.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs were creamed by the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Angels), 5-2.
Starter Brooks Caple gave up three runs in the second inning and got the loss. Caple’s final line was three runs on three hits over two innings. Caple walked two and struck out two.
Luis Martinez-Gomez pitched four innings of relief and allowed just one run on four hits. He struck out three and walked no one.
Third baseman Drew Bowser went 2 for 4 and scored once.
Beloit won, so South Bend drops back into a first place tie in the second half with the Sky Carp.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were herded up by the Charleston RiverDogs (Rays), 3-2.
Jostin Florentino pitched the first 5.1 innings and took the loss after giving up three runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out five.
Edwardo Melendez went the rest of the game without allowing a run over 3.2 innings. He allowed just one hit. Melendez struck out three and walked two.
Both Pelicans runs came on solo home runs. DH Jose Escobar homered in the bottom of the first, his fifth home run on the season. Escobar was 1 for 4.
Center fielder Kane Kepley hit his first professional home run in the fifth inning. Kepley was 2 for 4.
Escobar’s home run.
Kepley’s first career blast was a line drive.
A nice double play turned by Angel Cepeda, Ty Southisene and Matt Halbach.
More defense by Halbach.
