Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs deconsecrated the St. Paul Saints (Twins), 11-4.
Starter Ty Blach gave up three runs in the second inning, but nothing else as he picked up the win. Blach’s final line was three runs on four hits (including one two-run home run) over five innings. Blach walked one and struck out six.
Third baseman Pedro Ramírez tied the game in the top of the third inning with a two-run home run. Ramírez went 1 for 4 with a walk and a hit-by-pitch (on a 35 mph pitch from a position player). He also stole
two bases and scored three times. Ramírez now has eight home runs this year, which ties a career-high for a season for him and we’re not finished with April yet.
Right fielder Chas McCormick was the big star tonight, going 3 for 4 with an RBI double and a two-run home run in the fifth. It was McCormick’s fourth home run this year. McCormick had the three RBI and scored twice.
First baseman Jonathon Long went 3 for 6 with three RBI and one run scored.
Second baseman James Triantos was 2 for 5 with a walk and two steals. He scored two runs.
Shortstop Hayden Cantrelle was 2 for 5 with one run scored.
Center fielder Brett Bateman was 1 for 3 with an RBI double and two walks.
Left fielder Kevin Alcántara left this game in the sixth inning. It wasn’t immediately clear why, but I-Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf said Alcántara appeared to grab his back after a foul ball. Alcántara was 1 for 3 with a walk and one run scored.
Here’s Bateman’s RBI double.
The two-run home run for Ramírez got out of the park in a hurry.
McCormick hit one to dead center field.
McCormick’s RBI double.
Knoxville Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies were composted by the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 6-0.
Yenrri Rojas started and took the loss. Rojas gave up two runs on five hits over four innings. Rojas struck out six and walked no one.
Ben Johnson tossed two scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits. Johnson did walk one and didn’t strike anyone out.
The Smokies had only four hits. Shortstop Jefferson Rojas had the only extra base hit. He was 1 for 3 with a double.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs were dented by the Ft. Wayne TinCaps (Padres), 7-4.
Starter Cole Reynolds pitched 3.1 innings and gave up four runs on seven hits. Reynolds struck out five and walked just one.
Jackson Brockett relived Reynolds and gave up a two-run home run in his first inning in High-A. Brockett got the loss after surrendering two runs on three hits over 1.2 innings. Brockett did not strike anyone out, but he also didn’t walk anyone.
All four South Bend runs came in the fourth inning. Left fielder Reginald Preciado was responsible for three of them with his second home run of the year. Preciado was 1 for 3 with a walk.
Center fielder Kane Kepley went 1 for 3 with a walk, a stolen base and a sacrifice fly.
The South Bend social media team reminding us that Preciado was part of the Yu Darvish deal—and the last one who is still on the Cubs.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans netted the Columbia Fireflies (Royals), 7-3.
David Bracho threw the first 3.2 innings without allowing a run. He did give up seven hits, but Bracho didn’t walk anyone, although he did hit one batter, and he struck out three.
Aiden Moffett pitched the middle innings and got his first professional win. Moffett did not allow a run or a hit over 2.1 innings. He did walk one batter while striking out four.
Jordan Henriquez went the rest of the way for a three-inning save. He gave up just one hit, but it was a two-run home run in the top fo the ninth to spoil the shutout. Henriquez walked two and struck out four.
The Pelicans jumped out to an early lead with a four-run bottom of the first inning. The big blow was a two-run home run by left fielder Jose Escobar. Escobar was 2 for 4.
In the second inning, DH Eli Lovich hit a solo home run. It was his third of the season and his second in two games. Lovich was 1 for 4.
In the eighth inning, catcher Logan Poteet added an insurance run with a solo home run, his second on the season. Poteet was 1 for 3 with a sac fly and two total RBI.
The Pelicans had just six hits, but three of them were home runs. They also drew five walks.
Escobar’s home run.
Lovich showing some opposite field power.
Poteet’s home run.
