Knoxville Smokies shut out Columbus Clingstones, 1-0 in Double-A matchup

The Knoxville Smokies defeated the Columbus Clingstones 1-0 on July 2, 2026. Three Smokies pitchers combined for a six-hit shutout, with starter Nick Dean allowing four hits over six innings while striking out seven. In the bottom of the ninth, Alex Ramírez delivered a walk-off single to score pinch runner Alex Madera, clinching the win. This victory follows a strong performance from the Iowa Cubs, who claimed a 6-4 win against the Toledo Mud Hens. The South Bend Cubs suffered a significant loss to the Beloit Sky Carp, 13-5, while the Myrtle Beach Pelicans earned a 5-2 victory over the Hickory Crawdads.

• 5:09 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Minor League Wrap: BJ Murray, Iowa edge Toledo, 5-4
• 2:42 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Minor League Wrap: Smokies shut out Columbus, 1-0