Cubs Minor League Wrap: Jefferson Rojas leads giant Smokies comeback win
A big comeback win for the Smokies. The Pelicans offense disappeared.
Knoxville Smokies infielder Jefferson Rojas (2) slides away from home plate after being called out during Opening Day for the Knoxville Smokies at Covenant Health Park against the Birmingham Barons on April 3, 2026. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Iowa Cubs Rained out. Doubleheader starting at 5:08 tomorrow.
Knoxville Smokies The Knoxville Smokies knocked the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels) out of orbit, 8-7. The Trash Pandas jumped all over Smokies starter Luis Martinez-Gomez with two runs in the first, one in the second and two more in the third. The final line on Martinez-Gomez was five runs on five hits over four innings.
He walked two, struck out one and gave up a two-run home run in the third inning. Vince Reilly pitched the eighth and ninth innings and got the win. He did not allow a hit or a run, although he did walk one.
He faced the minimum thanks to a fantastic diving catch and double play by third baseman Karson Simas . Reilly struck out two. The Smokies trailed this game 7-0 after five and a half innings, but they scored three in the bottom of the sixth and five in the bottom of the eighth to stage an improbably comeback.
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