Chicago Cubs Minor League recaps: Iowa Cubs beat Nashville, 4-1

Right-handed pitcher Matt Loosen took the mound today for the Tennessee Smokies, looking to help get their second win of the young season. Loosen made it through five even innings of work, gave up six hits, was tagged with three earned runs and gave up a home run while exiting with a 5.40 ERA. Blue Wahoos first baseman Travis Mattair gave his team a 1-0 lead during the bottom half of the first inning with a single to center field to bring Rey Navvaro to score.

Fast forward to the bottom of the third with left fielder Donald Lutz at the plate. Lutz launched his first home run of the season to right field on the second pitch of the inning with no outs, extending the lead to 2-0 through three innings. Shortstop Rey Navarro who scored during the first inning, helped give his team a 3-0 lead during the bottom half of the fourth with a sacrifice fly to right field driving in starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen.

Tennessee finally got on the board during the top of the eighth inning on a RBI double by Smokies shortstop Jeudy Valdez to make it a 3-1 ballgame. They picked up their second and final run of the game during the top of the ninth off a solo home run by third baseman Dustin Geiger. Geiger let loose on the second pitch of the at-bat, taking pitcher Drew Hayes deep for his first home run of the season.

Winning pitcher was Michael Lorenzen (1-0), Drew Hayes picked up his third save, while Matt Loosen was handed the loss. With the loss, the Smokies fall to 1-4 on the year.

Final Score: Blue Wahoos 2, Smokies 2