Down on the Farm: Iowa Cubs win in extras, 9-6

Last game of the night was played between the Tennessee Smokies and the Huntsville Stars.

Both teams were able to get on the board during the first inning. Huntsville struck first with a run during the top of the first, while the Smokies responded with a run of their own during the bottom of the frame. Huntsville would take the lead with a run during the top of the second and another during the fourth. Tennessee would fire back with one run during the bottom of the fifth and sixth thanks to both Jeudy Valdez and Kris Bryant.

Valdez launched a solo home run to left field which made it a 3-2 ball game. Top third base prospect Kris Bryant then tied the ballgame at three apiece on a long fly ball to left field.

Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta was pulled after two innings of work before he was replaced by Dae-Eun Rhee who worked seven innings. Rhee had himself a great night despite being charged with an earned run off three hits with four strikeouts. Right-hander Ryan Searle has struggled during the early part of the season, but did fairly well tonight as he didn’t allow Huntsville to plate a run.

Searle was pulled from the game after three innings and was replaced by P.J. Francescon. Francescon would come into the game during the top of the 13th inning and allow a solo home run by Nick Ramirez which gave the Stars a 4-3 lead, which is where the game ended up.

Tennessee was unable to respond in extras.

Winning pitcher tonight is Johnny Lowe (1-0, 4.22 ERA), losing pitcher is P.J. Francescon (2-1, 1.35 ERA).

Final Score: Stars 4, Smokies 3.

Tennessee falls to 10-13.