Cubs Minor League Report: Rojas Powers Smokies to Extra-Inning Victory

In a thrilling day for the Chicago Cubs' minor league affiliates, the Iowa Cubs, Knoxville Smokies, and South Bend Cubs all emerged victorious. The Smokies notably edged the Rocket City Trash Pandas 6-5 in a dramatic ten-inning finish, thanks to a crucial home run from Jefferson Rojas.

The Iowa Cubs triumphed over the Gwinnett Stripers with a decisive 7-3 victory. Grant Kipp delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing just one run over five innings. Offensively, Moisés Ballesteros contributed a two-run homer, while Brett Bateman continued his impressive July with a 3-for-4 outing, including a double and three runs scored.

The Smokies' win featured a standout moment from Rojas, who hit a two-out, two-run homer in the tenth inning, marking his 15th of the season. This blast proved pivotal as the Smokies secured the win after a solid pitching performance by Kevin Valdez and Luke Little. Meanwhile, the South Bend Cubs dominated the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, winning 8-3 with Pierce Coppola throwing five scoreless innings and Justin Stransky hitting a two-run homer in the eighth.