The Knoxville Smokies absolutely shelled the Biloxi Shuckers last night with a 9-4 win, and center fielder Kane Kepley was an absolute force, putting on a clinic. Kepley crushed a two-run home run in the third inning, his third homer for Knoxville and ninth overall, leading the charge in a dominant performance.
Kepley’s Power Surge Leads Smokies Bash
Kepley wasn’t just mashing dingers; the guy reached base five times, going 1 for 2 with two walks and getting plunked by a pitch. He even swiped a base and scored twice! Seriously, what a night. DH Miguel Useche contributed big too, going 3 for 6 with a steal, one run scored, and one RBI. Right fielder Andy Garriola added another 3 for 6 performance with an RBI, and left fielder Carter Trice went 2 for 4 with a walk and an RBI. On the mound, Kevin Valdez allowed three runs over four innings, walking three and striking out one. Yenrri Rojas snagged the win, throwing two innings and giving up one run on one hit. Tyler Ras then retired six straight batters, striking out two, before Vince Reilly closed it out clean in the ninth with a strikeout. That’s how you shut things down.
Murray’s Near-Cycle for Iowa, Plus Key Moves
Down in Iowa, the Cubs got absolutely drenched by the Omaha Storm Chasers, falling 9-6. Javier Assad took the loss, giving up three runs on five hits through 3.2 innings, walking two and fanning two. But listen, first baseman BJ Murray came *a home run shy* of the cycle, going 3 for 5 with a double, a triple, and driving in four runs! What a monster night for him, even in a loss. Second baseman Ben Cowles was also solid with a 2 for 4 outing. And hey, how about James Triantos making a ridiculous diving catch in center field? Pure highlight reel stuff, even if he went 0 for 4 with a walk at the plate. Good to see Hoby Milner back on the bump, too. He retired the side in order on just nine pitches in his rehab assignment.
On the transaction front, the Cubs signed free agent catcher Austin Wynns and assigned him to Triple-A Iowa. Right-hander Tyler Santana, catcher Ethan Hearn, and shortstop Ed Howard were all moved to the Development List, while right-hander Cristopher Aranguren got a bump up to Low-A Myrtle Beach. South Bend outfielder Ethan Conrad landed on the 7-day injured list, but Reginald Preciado was activated off the 60-day IL, which is good news. Unfortunately, the South Bend Cubs fell 4-3 to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, with Jostin Florentino starting that one.
For these minor league prospects, every game is a chance to prove themselves and take that next step. Performances like Kepley’s and Murray’s are exactly what scouts want to see. You gotta keep an eye on these guys as they keep grinding toward the big leagues.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply