Justin Steele made his first rehab start with Iowa, and Owen Caissie hit a home run for the I-Cubs, who split a double dip with the Omaha Storm Chasers on Wednesday. That and more in today’s Cubs Farm Report.
Cubs Farm Report | May 2, 2024
Triple-A Iowa Cubs (16-13)
The Iowa Cubs and Omaha Storm Chasers split today’s doubleheader, with Iowa claiming a 6-5 walk-off win in game one and Omaha securing a 5-1 victory in game two. In the first game, Iowa rallied from a 3-0 deficit, with Owen Caissie‘s solo home run sparking their comeback. They took a 5-4 lead with key hits from Darius Hill, Luis Vazquez, and David Peralta, but Omaha tied the game in the sixth inning. Iowa clinched the win with Miles Mastrobuoni scoring on a wild pitch in the eighth.
Justin Steele made his first rehab start, pitching three and a third innings and allowing three runs. Darius Hill continued his strong performance, reaching base safely in eight consecutive games.
Notable Performances (Game 1)
Justin Steele | 3.1 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 4 K, 1 BB
Owen Caissie | 1-3, HR, RBI, R, BB
Luis Vazquez | 2-4, 2 2B, RBI, R
Brennan Davis | 0-3, BB, R
Notable Performances (Game 2)
Jake Slaughter | 2-3, R, BB
Owen Caissie | 1-1, 2 BB
Brennan Davis | 0-3, K
Chris Clarke | 2.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 BB
FINAL (G1): Cubs 6, Storm Chasers 5: Box Score
FINAL (G2): Cubs 1, Storm Chasers 5: Box Score
Second 🚀 of the season for Owen Caissie! pic.twitter.com/5EU7FoXhfI
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) May 1, 2024
Double-A Tennessee Smokies (11-10)
On Wednesday night, the Biloxi Shuckers emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over the Tennessee Smokies, marking the first game of their six-game series. The Smokies initially took the lead with a run in the second inning, courtesy of a triple by Josh Rivera. Although Tennessee managed to score two runs in the sixth inning with three consecutive hits, they couldn’t add any more. Brandon Birdsell started for Tennessee, pitching five and a third innings and allowing four runs, ultimately taking the loss. Blake Weiman and Eduarniel Nunez both contributed scoreless innings.
Notable Performances
James Triantos | 2-4, R
Moises Ballesteros | 1-4, 2B, RBI
Josh Rivera | 1-4, 3B, RBI
Kevin Alcántara | 1-4, 3 K
Matt Shaw | 0-3, K, BB
FINAL: Smokies 3, Shuckers 5 | Box Score
Christian Franklin adds to his impressive night with an RBI single to score Moises Ballesteros! @CF13_ #LastYearBestYear pic.twitter.com/c6IjDTkqU2
— Tennessee Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) May 2, 2024
Moises Ballesteros with an RBI double to score James Triantos! @JamesTriantos #LastYearBestYear pic.twitter.com/QrE4h1LuTS
— Tennessee Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) May 2, 2024
High-A South Bend Cubs (8-15)
The South Bend Cubs dominated the Lansing Lugnuts with a 9-3 victory. Key highlights include Jefferson Rojas‘s 16-game hitting streak and strong performances from Brett Bateman, Pedro Ramirez, and Yohendrick Pinango. Will Sanders pitched a season-high three and two third innings, allowing only one unearned run. Sam Armstrong earned the win, maintaining his 0.51 ERA, while Yovanny Cabrera secured the save.
Notable Performances
Ethan Hearn | 3-4, HR, RBI, 3 R
Brett Bateman | 3-3, 2 BB, 2 R
Jefferson Rojas | 1-5, RBI
Will Sanders | 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 5 K, 1 BB
FINAL: Cubs 9, Lugnuts 3: Box Score
Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans (9-13)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans kicked off May with a 6-4 victory over the Salem Red Sox, marking their third consecutive win. Key contributors to the Pelicans’ win included Chris Paciolla, who delivered a crucial two-run single in the fourth inning, and Alfonsin Rosario, who continued his strong performance with an RBI double and two runs scored. Christian Olivo also chipped in with an insurance RBI single in the seventh.
On the pitching front, Vince Reilly earned his first win, allowing two unearned runs in one and a third relief innings, while Ty Johnson pitched four solid frames with only one run allowed. Shane Marshall secured his second save by closing out the final inning.
Notable Performances
Christian Hernandez | 3-5. R
Reginald Preciado | 1-4, R, 2 K
Chris Paciolla | 1-3, 2 RBI
Ty Johnson | 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 4 K, 1 BB
FINAL: Pelicans 6, Red Sox 4: Box Score