Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs grilled the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers), 2-1.
Starter Kohl Franklin gave up a double to the first batter of the game and a single to the second one, putting runners on first and third. After that, he was nearly perfect. Franklin allowed a one-out sac fly in the first, but only one more baserunner on a walk the rest of his start. His final line was one run on two hits over five innings. Franklin struck out five and walked one as he picked up the win.
Gabe Klobostis entered the game with the bases-loaded
and two outs in the eighth inning. He got a ground ball to first to end that threat. Then he pitched a scoreless ninth and took home the save. Klobostis allowed just a one-out single, but that runner was quickly thrown out trying to steal second. Klobostis struck out one.
Both Iowa runs came on a two-run home run by left fielder Jordan Nwogu in the second inning. It was Nwogu’s third home run for Iowa and fourth overall. He was 1 for 3.
Center fielder Chas McCormick was 3 for 3 and scored on Nwogu’s blast.
Nwogu’s home run.
Some nice defense in right field from Kevin Alcántara.
Nwogu contributed with the glove as well.
More good defense from The Jaguar.
Knoxville Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies were oppressed by the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 7-0.
Connor Schultz only allowed one run on five hits over three innings, but that was enough for the loss. Schultz walked one and struck out two.
Knoxville managed just two hits in this game, both singles. DH Kane Kepley and right fielder Andy Garriola were both 1 for 4.
Knoxville finished the second-half at 35-33 and in second place, 1.5 games behind Rocket City. Their overall record was 73-64 after their first-half win. Knoxville will start the best-of-three Division Series in Rocket City on Tuesday. Games two and three (if necessary), will be in Knoxville on Thursday and Friday.
