Minor League Wrap: Carlos Pérez homers twice in I-Cubs loss

Iowa came back late and then blew it. Knoxville blew out Birmingham.

The Cubs have released right-hander Robert Kwiatkowski.

There’s no way that Iowa catcher Carlos Pérez has a opt-out clause in his contract because he would have exercised it by now.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were leaky against the Columbus Clippers (Guardians), 6-5.

Tommy Romero started and gave up three runs on six hits over five innings. Romero struck out eight and walked just one.

The I-Cubs scored three runs in the bottom of the eight to take the lead, but Riley Martin melted down in the save role, giving up three runs on three hits in one inning. All three of those hits were doubles. Martin walked two and struck out one.

First baseman Carlos Pérez hit two home runs tonight: a solo home run in the fourth and a two-run home run in the eighth. He now has 16 home runs this year—nine of which were hit in June. Pérez went 3 for 4.

Left fielder Jonathon Long was 2 for 4 and scored one run.

Second baseman Hayden Cantrelle was 2 for 4 with a double. He scored once and drove in one.

The start of this game was delayed by 80 minutes because of weather.

The two home runs by Pérez.

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies defenestrated the Birmingham Barons (White Sox), 9-3.

Starter Antonio Santos lasted four innings and surrendered two runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two.

Since Santos didn’t go five innings, Cayne Ueckert was awarded the win after two scoreless innings of relief. Ueckert gave up just one hit and didn’t walk anyone. He struck out three.

The Smokies scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and four more in the third and coasted the rest of the way. Third baseman BJ Murray Jr. hit a three-run home run in the first, his 13th on the campaign. Murray went 1 for 5.

Left fielder Jordan Nwogu made it 5-0 with an RBI triple later in the first. Nwogu was a perfect 3 for 3 with the triple and a walk.

First baseman Felix Stevens was 2 for 4 with three RBI. He had an RBI single in the first inning and a two-run double in the third. Stevens also scored twice.

DH Pablo Aliendo was 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.

Murray’s home run.

RBI single for Felix Stevens.

Nwogu’s triple.

Felix Stevens hits a double.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs were leading the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins) 5-0 when the rains came and the game was suspended. They’ll finish the game tomorrow followed by a seven-inning contest.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were bedazzled by the Columbia Fireflies (Rays), 3-2.

The Birds got a strong start from Yenrri Rojas, who allowed just one run on six hits over six innings. He struck out two and walked no one.

Landon Ginn entered the game to start the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 2-2. After retiring the first two batters, he gave up a walk-off home run. Ginn did not strike anyone out.

First baseman Matt Halbach was 2 for 4. He scored the first run of the game in the second inning on a balk.

ACL Cubs

Lost to the Rockies, 3-1.

Brandon Birdsell pitched in his first game of the year in a rehab start. Birdsell allowed one run on five hits over four innings. He struck out two, walked no one but hit one batter.