The Knoxville Smokies were an absolute blur on the bases last night, pulling off an incredible 11-for-11 in stolen base attempts as they edged out the Birmingham Barons 8-7. But the real buzz? First baseman Josiah Hartshorn, just 19 years old, and shortstop Angel Cepeda both made their Double-A debuts for the Smokies, fresh off their promotions from South Bend, and Hartshorn wasted no time showing what he can do.
Wild Night in Knoxville as Young Guns Ignite the Offense
What a chaotic, thrilling game for the Smokies! Starter Jake Knapp got roughed up early, giving up five runs on three hits, including two homers, in just 2.2 innings. Yikes. But the bullpen came to the rescue big time. Grayson Moore entered in the third, retired seven straight batters, and earned the win, striking out two over 2.1 innings. Tyler Schlaffer made things a little spicy in the sixth, giving up two runs, but then shut down the side in the seventh. And then came Tyler Ras, who delivered a perfect six-up, six-down performance in the eighth and ninth innings, striking out four to lock down the save.
The offense was firing, too. Catcher Ariel Armas launched a two-run homer in the third, his seventh of the season. DH Alex Ramírez was a beast, going 3 for 4 with two walks and two steals. Center fielder Kane Kepley was simply unreal with four stolen bases, going 2 for 5 with a walk. And those debuts? Angel Cepeda went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Josiah Hartshorn, the 19-year-old phenom, was 1 for 3 with two walks, a sacrifice fly, a stolen base, two RBI, and a run scored. Talk about an immediate impact! The basepaths were their playground, with Alex Madera grabbing two steals and Karson Simas adding two more to that ridiculous 11-for-11 team total.
Promotions Shake Up the System, Iowa Cubs Crush It
The promotions that brought Hartshorn, Cepeda, and outfielder Michael Gupton to Knoxville from South Bend were clearly well-timed, as those guys hit the ground running. To make room, second baseman Drew Bowser, second baseman Dom Krupinski, and right-hander Jacob Wallace were moved to the Development List.
Meanwhile, the Iowa Cubs put on their own clinic, absolutely scrambling the Toledo Mud Hens 9-3. Braxton Garrett was lights-out, allowing just one unearned run on two hits over five innings, walking two and striking out four for the win. First baseman Kevin Alcántara hammered his 20th home run of the year, bringing his total to 21 if you count his major league shot. He went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs. Second baseman James Triantos had a fantastic night, doubling twice and going 3 for 4 with two RBI. Third baseman Owen Miller went 3 for 5 with a stolen base and an RBI. DH Owen Ayers was 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI, while Chas McCormick and Justin Dean each had two hits, McCormick adding a double and Dean scoring two runs. Stellar defense at shortstop by Jackson Cluff rounded out a dominant performance.
What a night for these young prospects! Seeing guys like Hartshorn and Cepeda step up in their Double-A debuts, especially with the minor league season winding down, is exactly what you want to see. Big things are definitely brewing!
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.
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